Using IntelliCAD

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 Contents
Chapter 1 Introduction 1
About IntelliCAD and other CAD software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Using AutoCAD legacy drawings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Using AutoCAD commands with IntelliCAD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Comparing IntelliCAD and CAD to manual drafting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Drawing to scale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Using tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Organizing information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Drawing accurately . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Drawing efficiently . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Reusing CAD drawings and entities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Making changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Working with other data and programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Using advanced CAD features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Getting more information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Working with sample drawings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
New in IntelliCAD 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
New in IntelliCAD 8.0. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Chapter 2 Getting started 19

System requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Installing IntelliCAD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Starting IntelliCAD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Working in IntelliCAD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Displaying commands on a shortcut menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Displaying and hiding toolbars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Using the command bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Using the status bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Using prompt boxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Selecting commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Using commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Starting commands using toolbars. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Starting commands using menus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Starting commands using the command bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Repeating a command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Nesting a command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Modifying a command. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Using the Prompt History window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Using mouse shortcuts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Using keyboard shortcuts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Using scripts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Correcting mistakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
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Customizing IntelliCAD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Getting online Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Saving a drawing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Exiting IntelliCAD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Chapter 3 Working with drawings 35

Creating a new drawing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Opening a drawing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Opening an existing drawing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Opening a damaged drawing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Setting up a drawing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Setting the current layer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Setting the current entity color . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Setting the current linetype . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Setting the linetype scale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Setting the current lineweight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Setting the current print style. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Setting drawing units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Understanding scale factors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Setting the text height ........................................ 50
Setting the drawing limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Working with colors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Using index colors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Using true colors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Using color books . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Using the grid, snap alignment, and cursor restriction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Setting a reference grid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Setting snap spacing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Changing the snap and grid angle and base point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Using isometric snap and grid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Using orthogonal locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Using polar tracking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Using entity snaps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Setting entity snaps ................................. 70
Nearest Snap tool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Endpoint Snap tool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Midpoint Snap tool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Center Snap tool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Perpendicular Snap tool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Tangent Snap tool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Quadrant Snap tool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Insertion Point Snap tool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Node Snap tool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Parallel Snap tool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Apparent Intersection Snap tool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Quick Snap command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
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Clear Entity Snaps tool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

From Point tool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Temporary Tracking Point tool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Mid Between 2 Points tool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Using fly-over snapping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Using entity snap tracking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Saving your drawing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Saving a drawing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Saving a drawing with a new name or file format. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Saving a drawing with a password . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

Chapter 4 Creating simple entities 89

Drawing lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Drawing circles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Drawing arcs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Drawing ellipses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Drawing elliptical arcs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Drawing point entities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Drawing points. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Changing the size and appearance of point entities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Drawing rays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Drawing infinite lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Drawing freehand sketches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Creating freehand sketches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Erasing freehand sketch lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Setting the sketch method and accuracy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104

Chapter 5 Creating complex entities 107

Drawing rectangles and squares . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Drawing polygons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Drawing polygons by vertex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Drawing polygons by side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Drawing polygons by specifying the length of an edge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Drawing polylines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Drawing a polyline with straight segments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Drawing a polyline with arc segments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Drawing multilines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Drawing a multiline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Specifying justification and scale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Drawing traces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Drawing splines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Specifying fit tolerance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Drawing a closed spline. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Drawing donuts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Creating planes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Drawing wipeouts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
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Drawing a wipeout. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125

Creating a wipeout using existing polygons and polylines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Turning wipeout frames on or off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Creating boundary polylines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Understanding boundary polylines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Using islands and island detection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Creating a boundary polyline. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Adding hatching . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Specifying a hatch pattern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Selecting entities for hatching . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Selecting areas for hatching. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137

Chapter 6 Viewing your drawing 141

Redrawing and regenerating a drawing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Moving around within a drawing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Using scroll bars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Panning a drawing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Orbiting the drawing in real time. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Changing the magnification of your drawing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Understanding zoom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Zooming in to an area using a window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Zooming in real time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Zooming using a mouse with a wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Displaying the previous view of a drawing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Zooming to a specific scale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Combining zooming and panning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Displaying the entire drawing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Displaying a drawing with a visual style . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Displaying multiple views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Working with multiple views of a single drawing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Opening a new window of the same drawing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Dividing the current window into multiple views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Saving window configurations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Working with multiple drawings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Controlling visual elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Displaying solid fills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Displaying quick text . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Displaying highlighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Displaying blips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Displaying lineweights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161

Chapter 7 Working with coordinates 163

Using Cartesian coordinates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Understanding how coordinate systems work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Understanding how coordinates display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Finding the coordinates of a point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
 CONTENTS VII

Using two-dimensional coordinates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167

Entering absolute Cartesian coordinates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Entering relative Cartesian coordinates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Entering polar coordinates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Using three-dimensional coordinates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Using the right-hand rule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Entering x,y,z-coordinates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Entering spherical coordinates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Entering cylindrical coordinates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Using xyz point filters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Using point filters in two dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Using point filters in three dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Defining user coordinate systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Understanding user coordinate systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Defining a user coordinate system. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Using a preset user coordinate system. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176

Chapter 8 Working with IntelliCAD Explorer 179

Using IntelliCAD Explorer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Displaying IntelliCAD Explorer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Copying settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Deleting settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Purging elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Organizing information on layers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Understanding layers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Displaying layer information in IntelliCAD Explorer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Creating and naming layers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Filtering and finding layers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Setting the current layer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Controlling layer visibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Locking and unlocking layers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Controlling layer printing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Setting the layer color . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Setting the layer linetype . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Setting the layer lineweight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Setting the layer transparency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Setting the layer print style . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Working with layer states . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Working with linetypes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Understanding linetypes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Displaying linetype information in IntelliCAD Explorer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Setting the current linetype . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Loading additional linetypes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Creating and naming linetypes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Modifying linetypes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Working with text styles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
VIII CONTENTS

Understanding text styles. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219

Displaying text style information in IntelliCAD Explorer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Creating and naming text styles. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Modifying text styles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Setting the current text style . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Working with coordinate systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Understanding coordinate systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Displaying coordinate system information in IntelliCAD Explorer . . . . . . . . . 223
Defining and naming user coordinate systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Setting the current user coordinate system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Using named views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Displaying views in the IntelliCAD Explorer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Saving and naming views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Restoring named views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Changing named view properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Working with layouts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Displaying layouts in the IntelliCAD Explorer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Creating and naming layouts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Specifying page setup options for a layout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Working with blocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Understanding blocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Displaying block information in IntelliCAD Explorer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Creating and naming blocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Inserting a block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Inserting a drawing as a block ................................... 236
Saving a block as a separate drawing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Working with references to external files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Displaying information about referenced files in IntelliCAD Explorer . . . . . . 238
Attaching referenced files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Modifying the settings for referenced files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Working with dimension styles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Displaying dimension style information in IntelliCAD Explorer . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Creating and naming dimension styles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Copying dimension styles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Working with groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Displaying information about groups in IntelliCAD Explorer . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Creating a new group using IntelliCAD Explorer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Modifying groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244

Chapter 9 Getting drawing information 245

Specifying measurements and divisions .............................. 246
Understanding measurements and divisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Measuring intervals on entities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Dividing entities into segments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Calculating areas ............................................... 249
Calculating areas defined by points . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
 CONTENTS IX

Calculating areas of closed entities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250

Calculating combined areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
Viewing calculated area details . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Calculating distances and angles ................................ 253
Calculating the distance between two points and their angle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Viewing calculated distance details. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Displaying information about your drawing ........................... 254
Displaying information about entities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Displaying the drawing status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Tracking time spent working on a drawing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256

Chapter 10 Modifying entities 259

Selecting entities ................................................ 260
Understanding when to select entities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Understanding entity-selection methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Selecting entities by clicking them . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Selecting entities by drawing a selection window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Selecting entities using a fence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Filtering entity selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Deselecting entities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Using grips. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Displaying selected entities highlighted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Modifying the properties of entities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Modifying entity properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Modifying the properties of multiple entities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Deleting entities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Copying entities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Copying entities within a drawing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Copying between drawings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Copying between spaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
Making parallel copies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
Mirroring entities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Arraying entities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Rearranging entities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
Moving entities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
Moving entities between spaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
Rotating entities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
Reordering entities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
Resizing entities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Stretching entities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Scaling entities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
Extending entities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Trimming entities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290
Editing the length of entities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291
Splitting and combining entities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Breaking entities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
X CONTENTS

Joining entities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294

Exploding entities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
Grouping entities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
Editing polylines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 298
Converting an entity to a polyline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 298
Opening and closing polylines. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299
Curving and decurving polylines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300
Joining polylines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300
Changing the polyline width . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
Editing polyline vertices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
Chamfering and filleting entities .................................. 304
Modifying the chamfer and fillet settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 304
Chamfering entities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 304
Filleting entities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307

Chapter 11 Working with text 311

Creating line text ................................................ 312
Creating paragraph text . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 312
Working with text styles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 316
Formatting text . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 317
Setting the line text style . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 317
Setting the paragraph text style . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 318
Setting the line text alignment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 318
Setting the paragraph text alignment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 319
Including special text characters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 319
Changing text . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 320
Changing line text . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 320
Changing paragraph text . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 321
Finding and replacing text . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 321
Checking the spelling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323
Checking the spelling of text . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323
Customizing the spelling words. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 324
Changing the dictionary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 326
Using an alternate text editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 327
Selecting an alternate text editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 327
Creating paragraph text in an alternate text editor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 327
Working with text written in different languages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329
Using Unicode characters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329
Specifying character sets for drawings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329

Chapter 12 Dimensioning your drawing 331

Understanding dimensioning concepts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 332
Creating dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 334
Creating linear dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 334
Creating angular dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 339
Creating arc dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 341
 CONTENTS XI

Creating diametral and radial dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 342

Creating ordinate dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 343
Creating leaders and annotations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 344
Dimensioning model space entities in paper space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 345
Editing dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 347
Making dimensions oblique . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 347
Editing dimension text . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 347
Using dimension styles and variables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 350
Creating a dimension style. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 350
Selecting a dimension style . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 351
Renaming a dimension style . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 351
Deleting a dimension style. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 351
Controlling line settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 352
Controlling dimension arrows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 354
Controlling dimension text . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 356
Controlling dimension fit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 358
Controlling primary dimension units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 360
Controlling alternate dimension units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 362
Adding geometric tolerances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 364
Understanding geometric tolerances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 364
Adding a geometric tolerance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 366
Controlling dimension tolerances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 367

Chapter 13 Working with other files in your drawings 369

Working with blocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 370
Understanding blocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 370
Creating blocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 370
Saving blocks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 372
Inserting blocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 375
Redefining blocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 377
Editing blocks in-place . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 378
Exploding blocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 379
Working with attributes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 379
Defining attributes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 379
Editing attribute definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 382
Attaching attributes to blocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 382
Editing attributes attached to blocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 382
Extracting attribute information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 383
Working with external references ................................ 386
Understanding external references. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 386
Attaching external references . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 387
Viewing the list of external references . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 389
Opening external references . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 390
Removing external references . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 390
Reloading external references . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 391
Changing the path for external references . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 392
XII CONTENTS

Binding external references to drawings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 393

Clipping external references . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 394
Editing external references in-place . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 397
Working with images . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 398
Attaching images . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 398
Modifying images . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 400
Changing the display of images. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 402
Clipping images . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403
Unloading and reloading images . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 405
Changing the path for images . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 406
Deleting images . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 406

Chapter 14 Printing drawings 407

Getting started printing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 408
Defining layouts for printing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 409
Understanding layouts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 409
Understanding paper space and model space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 410
Viewing drawings in paper space and model space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 412
Displaying the Model and Layout tabs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 413
Creating a new layout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 413
Reusing layouts from other files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 414
Managing layouts in a drawing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 415
Working with layout viewports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 416
Customizing and reusing print settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 421
Working with page setups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 421
Setting the paper size and orientation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 425
Selecting a printer or plotter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 426
Setting the scale and view . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 427
Specifying print options specifically for layouts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 429
Specifying shaded viewport print options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 430
Specifying pen and line printing options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 430
Using printer configuration files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 431
Using plotter drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 432
Using print styles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 432
Understanding print style tables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 433
Implementing print style tables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 434
Assigning print style tables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 436
Creating new print style tables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 437
Modifying print style tables. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 438
Copying, renaming, or deleting print style tables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 441
Changing the print style table type of a drawing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 441
Converting print style tables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 442
Turning print style tables on or off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 443
Printing or plotting your drawing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 444
Previewing a drawing before printing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 444
Printing a drawing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 446
 CONTENTS XIII

Chapter 15 Drawing in three dimensions 449

Viewing entities in three dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 450
Setting a new viewing direction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 450
Setting a viewing direction dynamically . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 451
Displaying a plan view of the current drawing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 453
Creating three-dimensional entities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 454
Applying elevation and thickness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 454
Creating three-dimensional faces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 458
Creating rectangular meshes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 459
Creating polyface meshes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 460
Creating ruled surface meshes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 460
Creating extruded surface meshes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 461
Creating revolved surface meshes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 462
Creating edge-defined Coons surface patch meshes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464
Creating boxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 465
Creating wedges. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 466
Creating cones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 467
Creating pyramids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 468
Creating cylinders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 470
Creating spheres. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 470
Creating dishes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 472
Creating domes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 473
Creating tori . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 474
Creating regions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 475
Creating extruded solids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 475
Creating revolved solids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 476
Creating composite solids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 477
Editing in three dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 479
Rotating in three dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 479
Arraying in three dimensions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 480
Mirroring in three dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 482
Aligning in three dimensions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 483
Editing three-dimensional solids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 484
Chamfering and filleting solids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 484
Sectioning and slicing solids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 485
Modifying faces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 486
Modifying edges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 491
Imprinting solids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 492
Separating solids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 492
Shelling solids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 493
Cleaning solids. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 493
Checking solids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 494
Converting solids to polyface meshes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 494
Hiding, shading, and rendering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 494
Creating hidden-line images . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 495
Creating shaded images . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 495
Creating rendered images . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 496
XIV CONTENTS

Creating custom rendered images . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 497

Printing a rendered image . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 498

Chapter 16 Working with other programs 499

Saving and viewing snapshots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 500
Creating snapshots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 500
Viewing snapshots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 500
Using data from other programs in IntelliCAD drawings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 501
Embedding objects into drawings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 501
Linking objects to drawings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 503
Editing an embedded or linked object from within IntelliCAD . . . . . . . . . . . . 504
Importing files created in other formats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 505
Attaching underlays created in other formats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 507
Using IntelliCAD data in other programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 508
Embedding drawings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 508
Editing an embedded IntelliCAD object in place . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 510
Linking drawings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 510
Dragging IntelliCAD drawings into other programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 511
Exporting drawings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 511
Sending drawings through e-mail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 515
Using IntelliCAD with the Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 516
Adding hyperlinks to a drawing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 516
Publishing drawings to the Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 518
Inserting drawings from a Web site. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 518
Accessing the IntelliCAD Web site during a drawing session . . . . . . . . . . . . . 518

Chapter 17 Customizing IntelliCAD 519

Setting and changing options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 520
Changing the options on the General tab. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 520
Changing the options on the Paths/Files tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 525
Changing the options on the Display tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 527
Changing the options on the Profiles tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 536
Changing the options on the Printing tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 540
Changing the options on the Snapping tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 543
Changing the options on the Clipboard tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 544
Customizing menus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 545
Understanding menu compatibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 545
Creating new menus and commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 546
Setting the experience levels for menus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 549
Saving menu files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 549
Loading menu files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 550
Customizing menus manually in a .cui file . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 550
Customizing toolbars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 556
Creating a new toolbar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 556
Naming toolbars. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 558
Creating flyouts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 559
 CONTENTS XV

Setting the experience levels for tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 560

Creating custom toolbar tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 561
Importing toolbars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 562
Creating toolbars that you can share as files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 563
Customizing toolbars manually in a .cui file . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 565
Customizing the keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 568
Customizing the keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 568
Creating a keyboard shortcut . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 569
Saving keyboard shortcut files. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 571
Loading keyboard shortcut files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 571
Creating aliases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 572
Creating, redefining, and deleting aliases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 572
Saving alias files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 574
Loading alias files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 575
Customizing entities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 575
Working with audio notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 575
Using shape files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 578
Creating and replaying scripts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 579
Understanding scripts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 579
Recording scripts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 579
Replaying scripts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 580
Modifying scripts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 581
Programming IntelliCAD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 581
Using TX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 581
Using .NET applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 583
Using LISP routines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 584
Using SDS applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 585
Using DDE applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 586
Using DCL with IntelliCAD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 586
Using VBA and VSTA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 587
Using DIESEL with IntelliCAD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 588
Using a digitizer tablet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 589
Configuring the tablet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 589
Calibrating the tablet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 590
Understanding transformation types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 590
Customizing the tablet interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 592
XVI CHAPTER

Appendix Understanding AutoCAD compatibility 593

Using enhanced AutoCAD commands in IntelliCAD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 594
Using additional selection sets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 595
Using additional IntelliCAD commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 596
Recognizing subtle command differences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 599
Identifying unsupported commands and features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 600
Identifying what does not display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 601
Supporting AutoCAD customization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 602
Understanding menu compatibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 602
Importing and exporting customization files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 603
Programming IntelliCAD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 604
Understanding AutoLISP compatibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 604
IntelliCAD and AutoCAD list of terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 606

Glossary 607

Index 621
 1

Introduction

Using IntelliCAD is part of an integrated documentation set that includes this manual
and a comprehensive collection of help resources to give you the information you
need to create drawings in IntelliCAD®.

Topics in this chapter

About IntelliCAD and other CAD software ............................................................ 3
Comparing IntelliCAD and CAD to manual drafting ....................................... 5
Using advanced CAD features............................................................................ 13
Getting more information .................................................................................... 14
New in IntelliCAD 8............................................................................................. 15
2 CHAPTER 1

About IntelliCAD and other CAD softwareThis manual is organized into chapters
that parallel how you work in IntelliCAD, according to the tasks you might perform.
The tasks are divided and organized into the following work-focused chapters:
Introduction: Chapter 1 An overview of the key features of IntelliCAD plus basic con-
cepts of computer-aided design (CAD) as they apply to IntelliCAD.
Getting started: Chapter 2 Installing IntelliCAD, starting and exiting IntelliCAD,
working with toolbars, and selecting commands.
Working with drawings: Chapter 3 Opening and saving an existing drawing and start-
ing a new drawing. Using drawing settings to establish paper size, scale factors, and
text height. Working with colors in your drawings. Using drawing aids such as entity
snaps and orthogonal mode to draw accurately.
Creating entities: Chapters 4–5 Working with simple entities such as lines, circles, and
arcs and with complex entities such as polygons, spline curves, planes, wipeouts,
boundary hatches, and more.
Viewing your drawing: Chapter 6 Moving around in the drawing, changing its magnifi-
cation, creating multiple views, and saving arrangements of windows of the drawing.
Working with coordinates: Chapter 7 Working with Cartesian coordinate systems,
specifying two-dimensional and three-dimensional coordinates, and defining your
own user coordinate systems.
Working with the IntelliCAD Explorer: Chapter 8 Using the IntelliCAD Explorer to man-
age your drawings: controlling layers, linetypes, text styles, coordinate systems,
views, and blocks and copying information between drawings.
Getting drawing information: Chapter 9 Working with the additional information in
IntelliCAD drawings, calculating areas and distances, and displaying other drawing
information.
Modifying entities: Chapter 10 Selecting, copying, rearranging, resizing, and editing
entities.
Annotating and dimensioning your drawing: Chapters 11–12 Using text to annotate
drawings; using dimensions to annotate the measurement of entities.
Working with blocks, attributes, and external references: Chapter 13 Using blocks and
external references to combine entities and data for reuse; creating attribute informa-
tion to extract for use in other programs.
Formatting and printing drawings: Chapter 14 Combining drawings into finished lay-
outs, customizing print options, and printing copies.
Drawing in three dimensions: Chapter 15 Creating and editing three-dimensional enti-
ties. And visualizing them using hidden line removal, shading, and photo-realistic
rendering.
Working with other programs: Chapter 16 Sharing drawings and data with other users,
documents, and programs.
 INTRODUCTION 3

Customizing IntelliCAD: Chapter 17 Customizing the appearance and operation of the

program to suit your needs.
Understanding AutoCAD compatibility: Appendix Describes similarities and differences
between IntelliCAD and AutoCAD.
This section introduces you to IntelliCAD®, its features, and its comprehensive capa-
bilities for creating drawings of various types.

About IntelliCAD and other CAD software

IntelliCAD is designed for anyone who wants a fast and efficient CAD program with
all the power and versatility of standard programs such as AutoCAD® by Autodesk®,
Inc., or MicroStation® by Bentley Systems, Inc., at an affordable price. Using today’s
advanced technology, IntelliCAD integrates the Microsoft® Windows® interface with
a powerful CAD engine.
IntelliCAD provides unparalleled compatibility with AutoCAD, using most of the
same file formats including those for drawings (.dwg files), commands, linetypes,
hatch patterns, and text styles. You can also use AutoCAD menu files and run
Autodesk® AutoLISP® programs. If you have written your own ADS (Autodesk®
AutoCAD Development System®) programs, simply recompile them to link with the
IntelliCAD libraries. Many third-party ADS programs already support IntelliCAD. If
you have a program that is not already supported, ask your software vendor to pro-
vide an IntelliCAD-compatible version of the program.
IntelliCAD is more compatible with the AutoCAD program than any other CAD
product, delivers additional tools with advanced CAD features, and has a seamless
Microsoft® Windows integration. This powerful program provides a superb combina-
tion of features for CAD users like architects, engineers, and designers.
IntelliCAD incorporates standard features found in other CAD programs, along with
features and capabilities you won’t find anywhere else. Its multiple-document inter-
face (MDI) lets you open and work with several drawings at the same time. You can
easily copy drawing entities between drawings. In addition, the powerful IntelliCAD
Explorer lets you manage information and settings and quickly copy layers, linetypes,
and other information between drawings.

Using AutoCAD legacy drawings

IntelliCAD fully supports AutoCAD legacy drawings. IntelliCAD reads and writes
.dwg files in their native format without any loss of data, from AutoCAD 2007 back
to Version 11, including AutoCAD LT®. Because IntelliCAD uses Autodesk
DWG format as its native file format, no translation is required.
4 CHAPTER 1

IntelliCAD provides you with the appropriate tools for your experience level—
whether you are a beginner, intermediate, or advanced CAD user. If you are just start-
ing out with CAD, you may want to use the beginner level, which provides toolbars
containing the basic tools such as lines, arcs, and circles. As you become more expe-
rienced, you can move to the intermediate level and then to the advanced level, which
gives you access to more than 300 commands through toolbars, menus, and keyboard
entries. You can change the experience level in the Options dialog box on the Tools
menu.
IntelliCAD supports three-dimensional wireframes and surfaces. Three-dimensional
drawings can be displayed in wireframe, hidden-line view, and surface shading.
Some versions of IntelliCAD also support creating and editing 3D solids; all versions
display 3D solids, along with limited editing features.
Some versions of IntelliCAD support displaying and working with raster images in
your drawings. However, IntelliCAD does not display images located inside of
blocks and externally referenced drawings (xrefs). When a drawing containing proxy
entities is loaded into IntelliCAD, a message displays indicating that some entities
will not display, however, the entities reappear when you open the drawing later in
AutoCAD.
It’s easy to customize IntelliCAD. You can modify menus and toolbars, create
custom menus, dialog boxes, command aliases, and scripts, and add custom programs
written in any of several programming languages, including DRX (the program’s
Autodesk® ARX-compatible language), LISP (the program’s Autodesk AutoLISP-
compatible language), and SDS™ (Solutions Development System™, the program’s
Autodesk ADS-compatible language). There is also Microsoft® Visual Basic for
Applications (VBA).
You can run existing Autodesk® AutoLISP applications in IntelliCAD with little or
no modification. IntelliCAD uses the Appload command so you can easily load LISP
programs. IntelliCAD reads files that contain dialog control language (DCL) state-
ments as well, which makes IntelliCAD compatible with dialog boxes created for
AutoCAD.

Using AutoCAD commands with IntelliCAD

Because IntelliCAD supports hundreds of AutoCAD commands, you use the com-
mands you already know. For example, to draw a circle, use the Circle command. To
copy a circle, use the Copy command.
When you press Enter or the spacebar, you activate the command—just like in Auto-
CAD. IntelliCAD accepts the special characters used by AutoCAD, such as point fil-
ters (for example, .xy), relative coordinates (the @ symbol), and the apostrophe (the ‘
prefix) for transparent commands. IntelliCAD function keys are also similar to those
used in AutoCAD.
Because you do not need to learn a new set of commands, you are immediately pro-
ductive with IntelliCAD.
 INTRODUCTION 5

Comparing IntelliCAD and CAD to manual drafting

IntelliCAD greatly reduces the time and effort it takes to create and revise drawings.
Not only can you produce accurate drawings faster, you can also reuse the informa-
tion in your drawings. These are the primary reasons for making the transition to
CAD from traditional, manual drafting on paper.
As with any tool, however, to use it effectively, you need to be familiar with some of
the special features, functions, and concepts of CAD. If you are familiar with manual
drafting, you’ll find some conceptual similarities in CAD as well as some differences.

Drawing to scale
In traditional, manual drafting, you usually determine the scale of the drawing before
you even start to draw, because you are working with a sheet of paper of a fixed size.
You may have to reduce or enlarge the entity you are drawing to fit within the con-
fines of the paper.
When you create a drawing in IntelliCAD, you draw everything full-size. You deter-
mine the type of units in which your drawing is measured. If you are drawing a build-
ing, 1 drawing unit might equal 1 inch. If you are drawing a map, 1 drawing unit
might equal 1 mile. Your drawing environment and the CAD drawing file itself are
not limited to the size of a particular sheet of paper.

1 drawing unit equals 1 inch. 1 drawing unit equals 1 foot.

As you draw, you can use commands such as Pan and Zoom to work on different por-
tions of the drawing and to magnify the display of the drawing to view small details.
These commands have no effect on the actual size of the entities in your drawing;
they affect only the way the drawing is displayed on your screen. Only when you
print or plot your drawing do you need to set the scale so that the printed drawing fits
within a specific paper size.
6 CHAPTER 1

Using tools
In manual drafting, you use tools such as pencils, rulers, T-squares, templates, eras-
ers, and so on. When you create a drawing in IntelliCAD, you use a mouse instead of
a pencil, and you use the mouse to select other tools—commands you select from a
menu or a toolbar.
You use some tools to create basic entities, such as lines, circles, and arcs, and other
tools to modify existing entities (for example, to copy or move them or to change
properties such as color and linetype).

Organizing information
In traditional drafting, you often separate elements such as walls, dimensions, struc-
tural steel members, and electrical plans onto separate, translucent overlays. When
you want to print the working drawings, you can create several different drawings by
combining different overlays.
When you create a drawing in IntelliCAD, you use layers to organize elements in a
similar manner. However, the layers feature in CAD offers numerous advantages
over physical transparencies. The number of overlays you can combine to print a
manually drafted drawing is limited by the printing process. There is no such limita-
tion in CAD. With IntelliCAD, you can define an unlimited number of layers, any of
which can be visible or invisible at any time. You can name each layer and assign
each its own color, linetype, lineweight, and print style. You can also lock individual
layers to ensure that information on those layers isn’t altered accidentally.

Use layers to organize drawing information.

 INTRODUCTION 7

Drawing accurately
When you create a manual drawing, ensuring accuracy typically requires a lot of
manual calculations and rechecking. By contrast, IntelliCAD offers a number of
drawing aids that ensure accuracy from the start. For example, you create and modify
entities based on an underlying Cartesian coordinate system. Every location in the
drawing has its own x,y,z-coordinates. You can also display a grid as a visual refer-
ence to your coordinate system.

Y
-Z
5
4
3
-X 2 (5, 2, 0)
-3 -2 1
-1
1 2
-1 3 4
5 6 X
-2
-3 (0, 0, 0)
Z

-Y

Every location in the drawing has its own x,y,z-coordinates within the underlying Cartesian coordinate
system. Point 5,2,0 is 5 units to the right (along the x-axis), 2 units up (along the y-axis), and 0 units (along
the z-axis) from the origin (the 0,0,0 point).

Settings such as snap and entity snap allow you to draw accurately without specifying
coordinates. The snap setting forces the selected points to adhere to the grid incre-
ment or to any other increment you set. Entity snaps let you snap to precise geometric
points on existing entities—for example, the endpoint of a line or the center of a cir-
cle. Another setting, orthogonal, constrains lines so that they are drawn parallel to the
vertical and horizontal axes.

Paper-based drawings lack the high degree of accuracy possible when using CAD. Lines often overlap or fail
to meet adjacent lines.
8 CHAPTER 1

Snap and entity snap force the cursor to adhere to a specified increment or attach to key geometric points on
existing entities. You can also constrain lines to vertical and horizontal axes.

Drawing efficiently
In paper-based, manual drafting, you often have to redraw the same entity several
times at different scales or from different vantage points. You may also need to
redraw the border and title block on each new sheet.
One of the most powerful features of IntelliCAD is that when you create a drawing,
you can reuse individual entities, borders, and title blocks as often as you want. You
need draw an entity only once; the final printed drawing can show the entity at sev-
eral different scales and viewpoints.
You usually begin drawing in model space on the Model tab, creating the drawing (a
floor plan, a map, or a three-dimensional part) without regard to the final layout on
paper. When you are ready to print your drawing, you have the option to switch to
paper space on a Layout tab, where you lay out the drawing as you want it to appear
on a sheet of paper. For example, you can insert a drawing file that contains the stan-
dard border and title block that you created. You can define and arrange multiple
views of the drawing at appropriate scales and with specific portions visible or invisi-
ble—again, without having to redraw the border and title block for each view.
 INTRODUCTION 9

You create the basic drawing in model space on the Model tab.
10 CHAPTER 1

When you’re ready to print or plot your drawing, you can switch to paper space on a Layout tab, where you provide a
layout of the drawing as you want it to appear on a sheet of paper.
 INTRODUCTION 11

Reusing CAD drawings and entities

When you create a paper drawing manually, you can draw repetitive symbols by trac-
ing a plastic template. After you draw a symbol in IntelliCAD, you can reuse that
symbol without having to redraw it. You simply save the symbol as a block. You can
then insert copies of that block anywhere in your drawing. You can also save the
symbol as a separate drawing for use in other drawings.

You can draw a symbol one time, save it as a block, and then insert multiple copies of that symbol anywhere
in your drawing.

In addition, you can reuse entire drawings and insert individual drawings into other
drawings. You can also use an external reference, which acts as a pointer to another
drawing rather than a copy of the entire drawing. Using an external reference has an
added advantage: when you update the externally referenced drawing, each drawing
that references it can be automatically updated.
12 CHAPTER 1

Making changes
To make changes to a paper drawing, you erase and then redraw. With IntelliCAD,
you use commands to modify entities in the drawing. You can move, rotate, stretch,
or change the scale of entities. When you want to remove an entity, you can delete it
with a single click of the mouse. If you make a mistake while creating or modifying
your drawing, you can easily reverse your actions.

You can easily change an entity using commands such as move, rotate, stretch, and scale instead of
redrawing the entity.

Working with other data and programs

Traditional paper drawings serve only as a means of communicating information
between the person who created the drawing and the person viewing the drawing. The
drawings contain no more information than what is visually imparted by the creator
and seen by the viewer.
IntelliCAD offers rich possibilities for analyzing drawings and attaching additional
data to them. For instance, although it may be impractical to count entities in a com-
plex paper drawing, this task is simple in CAD. IntelliCAD can calculate the number
of entities in a drawing and compute area and distance.
CAD drawings can also contain information in addition to visible entities. You can
attach invisible database information to visible drawing entities and extract the infor-
mation for analysis in a database or spreadsheet. (Working with information in a data-
base requires a program from a third-party vendor, or you can create your own means
of exporting the data in LISP or SDS. Or, you can also use VBA.)
IntelliCAD provides in-place editing of Microsoft® objects, such as those created in
Microsoft® Word and Microsoft® Excel software programs. In-place editing makes it
easy to share data with other users and programs. For example, you can include Intel-
liCAD drawings in files created using Microsoft® Word, and you can insert files cre-
ated using Microsoft® Word into your IntelliCAD drawings.
 INTRODUCTION 13

Using advanced CAD features

In addition to being compatible with AutoCAD, IntelliCAD goes several steps further
by providing you with innovative features to increase your productivity.

Using the IntelliCAD Explorer

The IntelliCAD Explorer has an interface similar to the Windows Explorer, allowing
you to view and manage the elements of multiple, open drawings, such as layers,
blocks, linetypes, views, user coordinate systems, and text styles.

Editing multiple documents simultaneously

With IntelliCAD, you can open and edit multiple drawings simultaneously. You can
also copy and paste elements between open drawings.

Editing multiple entities

IntelliCAD allows you to change most of the properties of all selected entities using a
single, tabbed dialog box.

Using the Customize dialog box

IntelliCAD has a single, tabbed dialog box for changing toolbars, menus, keyboard
shortcuts, and command aliases. You can also use the drag-and-drop method to cus-
tomize toolbars, including flyouts. The simple, point-and-click action lets you easily
create new menu items and keyboard shortcuts—no programming or manual text
editing required.

Performing unlimited undo and redo

IntelliCAD increases your power with unlimited undo and redo of editing actions.
14 CHAPTER 1

Getting more information

In addition to the IntelliCAD documentation, much of the assistance you need as you
use IntelliCAD is specific to the commands you work with on the screen. To obtain
immediate information as you work, use these additional sources of information:
• Tooltips — To find out what a specific tool on a toolbar does, pause the cursor
over it for a moment. A ToolTip appears on the screen.
• Status bar — To find out more detailed information about a tool when you pause
the cursor over it, look on the status bar at the bottom of the screen.
• Online help — IntelliCAD online help is available on the screen when you press
F1, choose a command from the Help menu, or click the question mark in a dialog
box. The online help also presents information that does not appear in this manual,
including a programming reference that describes how to program in DRX, LISP,
DCL, SDS, and DIESEL. The programming reference also describes program-
ming in VSTA and VBA.

Working with sample drawings

With the IntelliCAD program, you can create a variety of drawings, including two-
dimensional architectural drawings, electrical schematics, and mechanical drawings.
Viewing and working with sample files can be an easy way to quickly learn how to
use various IntelliCAD features.

To access the sample files

• Choose File > Open, and then open the Samples folder.
 INTRODUCTION 15

New in IntelliCAD 8
New in IntelliCAD 8.0
Working with Files
• Open, save, and work with .dwg files of version 2014.
• Work with image files in both IntelliCAD Professional and Standard versions.
Additionally, more raster image formats are supported in IntelliCAD Standard.
• Create custom rendering materials and mapping projection planes in both Intelli-
CAD Professional and Standard versions.
• Import Collada (.dae files).
• Improved support for DGN overlays, Civil3D, ADT, and mechanical object
enablers.
• Attach MrSID MG4 compressed raster images.
Performance Enhancements
• IntelliCAD is available in 64-bit in addition to 32-bit.
• Increased cursor speed.
• Improved performance for PDF creation and reduced resulting PDF files sizes.
• Improved performance for multiple sessions on multi-core machines.
• Improved Print Preview zoom performance.

Viewing drawings
• The grid can be drawn as lines or dots, can display beyond the drawing extents,
and can be adaptive, which includes automatic resizing and subdivision based on
the zoom level.
• The Dynamic Viewpoint command was enhanced to include multiple ways of
selecting a point from which to view three-dimensional entities.
• The 3D Orbit command allows you to orbit a drawing, that is, rotate the view.
Commands includes Constrained Orbit, Free Orbit, Continuous Orbit, Constrained
X Orbit, Constrained Y Orbit, and Constrained Z Orbit.

Layers
• Manage layers with layer states.
• Search for layers by name.
• Filter layers.
• Layer properties include Transparency and Viewport Freeze.
• New Layer Tools menu and toolbar.
16 CHAPTER 1

Rendering
• Rendering interface redesigned and enhanced.
• Complete rendering features are now available in IntelliCAD Professional and
Standard versions.

APIs
• IntelliCAD 8.0 uses Teigha version 3.9.1 from the Open Design Alliance.
• Script command execution uses the DDE API.
• New LISP method (protect) to create protected LISP files.
• New LISP method (acad_truecolordlg) supports true color selection. The old
method (acad_colordlg) will continue to call up only the index color dialog.
• New SDS method sds_truecolordialog() supports true color selection. The old
method sds_colordialog() will continue to call up only the index color dialog.
• New LISP method to convert RGB color string to an index integer (rgbtoindex).
This method has an SDS equivalent: sds_rgbtoindex().
• New LISP method to convert RGB color string to an index integer
(sds_indextorbg). This method has an SDS equivalent: sds_indextorgb().
• sds_clearcallback().
• sds_rgbstrtocolorref changed from a string to a long.
More New Features
• CUI menu files supported.
• Many user interface enhancement features, including more efficient menu and
toolbar organization, slimming of toolbars to create more drawing space, and
more.
• Many improvements to paperspace, such as UCS icon changes, ease in which
modelspace viewports are created, and more.
• All color assignments for screen items, such as background color, icon color, etc.,
can now be made by choosing Tools > Options > Display tab, then clicking
Scheme Colors.
• New Quick Select command.
• Tip of the Day now displays as an event in the corner of the main window when
IntelliCAD starts.
• Improved grip editing for dynamic blocks.
• Image Attach command supports embedded world file data in MrSID image files.
• New PRINTOPTIONS command for easy accessibility to Print Options.
• New XOPEN command to allow quick editing of attached xref files.
• New Draw Order options to quickly push back or bring forward annotation and
hatches.
• Enhanced CUSTOMIZE command eases menu and toolbar customization.
 INTRODUCTION 17

System Variables
• Added or updated: 3DORBITMODE, CUSTOMICONSPATH, EXPLAYERFIL-
TERWIDTH, FACETRES, GRIDCOLORMAJOR, GRIDCOLORMINOR,
GRIDDISPLAY, GRIDMAJOR, GRIDMODE, GRIDPOINTSMAX, GRID-
STYLE, LAYERINVERTFILTER, LAYOUTCREATEVIEWPORT (which
replaced and deprecated PSPACEMVIEW), LISPPATH, ORBITCOLOR,
PRINTTILESIZE, PSICONCOLOR, QSELECTLISTVALUES, TEXLIBPATH,
TRIMALLMAXNESTEDBLOCKLEVEL, UITHEME.
• All color-related system variables were changed to support RGB and index color
values: APERTURECOLOR, AUDIOICONCOLOR, AUTOTRACKCOLOR,
BKGCOLOR, BLIPCOLOR, COLORX, COLORY, COLORZ, DZOOME-
COLOR, DZOOMSCOLOR, DZOOMVCOLOR, HIGHLIGHTCOLOR,
HYPERLINKICONCOLOR, MODELTOOLTIPCOLOR, MODELTOOLTIPB-
KGCOLOR,OLEBKGCOLOR, PICKBOXCOLOR, PSPACEBCOLOR,
PSPACEMCOLOR, PSPACEPCOLOR, SELCROSSINGAREACOLOR, SEL-
CROSSINGFRAMECOLOR, SELWINDOWAREACOLOR, SELWINDOWFR-
AMECOLOR, SNAPCOLOR, VIEWPORTLOCKBORDERCOLOR.
18 CHAPTER 1
 2

Getting started

This section helps you get started using IntelliCAD software by explaining how to
install it and providing basic information about how to use it.

This guide assumes that you have working knowledge of Windows-based programs.
If necessary, see the documentation that came with your operating system for infor-
mation about Windows terminology and techniques.

Topics in this chapter

System requirements.......................................................................................... 20
Installing IntelliCAD............................................................................................. 20
Starting IntelliCAD .............................................................................................. 21
Working in IntelliCAD.......................................................................................... 22
Selecting commands .......................................................................................... 26
Correcting mistakes ............................................................................................ 32
Customizing IntelliCAD ....................................................................................... 32
Getting online Help ............................................................................................. 33
Saving a drawing ................................................................................................ 33
Exiting IntelliCAD ................................................................................................ 33
20 CHAPTER 2

System requirements
You need the following software and hardware to install and run IntelliCAD:
• Microsoft® Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista®, Windows XP any edition,
including 32-bit and 64-bit
• For 32-bit operating systems, install the 32-bit version of IntelliCAD.
• For 64-bit operating systems, install either the 32-bit or 64-bit version of Intel-
liCAD. The 64-bit version of IntelliCAD runs slightly faster, but can use all
available system memory to handle large drawing files. IntelliCAD 32-bit can
access up to 3GB of RAM on 32-bit operating systems and up to 4GB of RAM
on 64-bit operating systems.
• Intel® Pentium® 4 or comparable, faster processor recommended
• 1 gigabyte (GB) of RAM minimum for 32-bit and 2 gigabytes (GB) of RAM min-
imum for 64-bit Windows 8 and Windows 7, 1 gigabyte (GB) of RAM minimum
for Windows Vista, 512 megabytes (MB) of RAM minimum for Windows XP
• 500 MB of free hard disk space recommended for typical installation
• 1024 x 768 VGA or higher resolution, video adapter, and monitor
• Graphics card compatible with OpenGL Version 1.4 or higher
• Keyboard and mouse, or other pointing device
• CD-ROM or DVD drive for installation, if installing from a CD or DVD

Installing IntelliCAD
A setup program guides you through the IntelliCAD installation process. The pro-
gram transfers files to a folder that it creates on your hard disk. The program also cre-
ates a menu item on the Start menu.
Installation starts automatically after you insert the IntelliCAD compact disc into
your CD-ROM drive. If installation does not start, you can install IntelliCAD by
using the following procedure.
 GETTING STARTED 21

To install IntelliCAD from a compact disc

1 Insert the IntelliCAD compact disc into your CD-ROM drive.
2 Do one of the following:
• Wait for the autorun feature to start.
• Choose Start > Run and in the Open field, type d:\setup, where d is the letter
assigned to your CD-ROM drive. Click OK.
3 Follow the instructions on your screen.

Some IntelliCAD versions may not come with a compact disc.

For example, if you downloaded the program from the Internet, follow the instruc-
tions that came with the program.

Starting IntelliCAD
To start IntelliCAD, choose Start > All Programs > ITC > IntelliCAD (may vary,
depending on your operating system).
When you start IntelliCAD, the program opens a new, blank drawing based on a
default template, icad.dwt. Using a template as the basis for a new drawing has sev-
eral advantages:
• You can use predetermined units of measure, grid settings, text heights, and other
settings appropriate for the type of drawing you’re creating.
• You can predefine special layers.
• You can predefine the type of print style table.
• You can include predefined title blocks and borders.
Each time you start IntelliCAD, a Tip of the Day appears on your screen. To display
the Tip of the Day dialog box at any time, choose Help > Tip of the Day. To prevent
the Tip of the Day dialog box from being displayed, click the check box for Show
Tips On StartUp to clear it.
22 CHAPTER 2

Working in IntelliCAD
You can work with the IntelliCAD window and its elements in a variety of ways. For
example, you can display and rearrange the toolbars, display the command bar, and
enable the status bar. The toolbars and command bar can also be floated anywhere on
the screen or docked to the edges of the main IntelliCAD window.

Displaying commands on a shortcut menu

Shortcut menus provide quick access to specific commands. A shortcut menu dis-
plays when you right-click an entity, toolbar, status bar, the Model tab name, or a
Layout tab name. The selections presented in the shortcut menu depend on what you
right-clicked.
When you right-click the drawing, you can choose from a wide range of commands,
including recently used commands. When you right-click a toolbar, the program dis-
plays a shortcut menu that lets you toggle the command bar, status bar, and various
toolbars on and off. If you select one or more entities and then right-click, the pro-
gram displays a shortcut menu from which you can choose a command to modify the
selected entities. To display a shortcut menu from which you can choose an entity
snap, press and hold down the Shift key, and then right-click anywhere within the
drawing window.

Displaying and hiding toolbars

When you start IntelliCAD the first time, multiple toolbars are displayed. IntelliCAD
provides more than a dozen toolbars, which you can customize by adding and delet-
ing tools. You can also move and resize toolbars, and you can create new toolbars.
You can use a shortcut menu to display or hide toolbars.
You can also choose whether toolbars are displayed large or small and in color. You
can choose to display or hide ToolTips, which provide descriptions of tools that dis-
play when you pause the cursor over them. Go to View > Toolbars to make these
selections.
Toolbars are either docked or floating. A floating toolbar has a title bar and a Close
box, can be located anywhere on the screen, and can be resized. A docked toolbar
does not display a title or Close box, cannot be resized, and is attached along one of
the edges of the drawing window.
• To dock a toolbar, drag it to the perimeter of your drawing; to undock it, drag it
away from the perimeter.
• To position a toolbar in a docking area without docking it, press Ctrl while you
drag it.
• To move a toolbar, drag it to a new location.
• To resize a toolbar, move your cursor to the edge until it changes to a resize arrow,
and then drag.
 GETTING STARTED 23

To choose which toolbars to display

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose View > Toolbars.
• Right-click anywhere on a toolbar (docked, undocked, or the toolbar area at the
top of the window) to display the toolbar shortcut menu, and then choose
Toolbars. You can also select the toolbars you want displayed directly on the
shortcut menu.
2 In the Select Toolbars dialog box, choose the toolbars you want displayed, and
then click OK.

Select the check boxes for the toolbars you want to display.

Using the command bar

The command bar is a dockable window in which you type IntelliCAD commands
and view prompts and other program messages. To display the command bar, choose
View > Display > Command Bar. The command bar displays the three most recent
lines of prompts. You can move the command bar by dragging it.
When the command bar is floating, you can drag the top or bottom of the window to
change the number of lines of text it displays. You can dock the command bar at the
top, bottom, left, or right of the drawing. You can auto-hide and auto-display the
command bar in its current location by clicking its pin button.
24 CHAPTER 2

Using the status bar

If you elect not to use the command bar, the status bar displays information about the
selected command or tool. It also displays the current cursor coordinates, the name of
the current layer, mode settings, and other information about current settings.
In addition to displaying information, the status bar is a quick way to access many
features. You can click status bar items to make changes, and right-click items to dis-
play short-cut menus that allow you more choices.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M

A Information about the current command. H Double-click to turn entity snapping on or off.
B Cursor coordinates (x,y,z). Right-click to specify settings.
C Right-click to change the default graphics display I Double-click to turn entity snap tracking on or off.
driver. Right-click to specify settings.
D Double-click to turn grid snapping on or off. J Double-click to turn lineweight display on or off.
Right-click to specify settings. Right-click to specify settings.
E Double-click to turn the grid display on or off. K Double-click or right-click to switch between
Right-click to specify settings. model space and paper space.
F Double-click to turn orthogonal cursor locking on L Double-click to turn digitizer mode on or off.
or off. Right-click to specify settings. M Double-click to view notifications about drawings
G Double-click to turn polar tracking on or off. when they open and about running IntelliCAD.
Right-click to specify settings.

To change the items that display on the status bar

1 Right-click an empty area of the status bar.
2 Select an item to add or remove it.

To change the setting of an item on the status bar

1 Do one of the following:
• Double-click the status bar item.
• Right-click the status bar item you want to change, and then select the desired
setting.

To display or hide the status bar

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose View > Display > Status Bar.
• Type statbar and then press Enter.
 GETTING STARTED 25

Using prompt boxes

IntelliCAD commands often provide several options. These options appear in the sta-
tus bar or command bar and also in a prompt box (called a context menu in Auto-
CAD) initially displayed in the upper right corner of the screen. You can move the
prompt box by dragging it; future prompt boxes will appear where you last placed it.
The options appear as menu selections. Choose the appropriate option by selecting it
in the prompt box. To close a prompt box, click the Close box.

Command options appear in a prompt box.

The prompt box is displayed by default. To turn off the display of prompt boxes,
choose Tools > Options, click the Display tab, and then click the Display Prompt
Boxes check box to clear it.
26 CHAPTER 2

Selecting commands
Select commands using any of these methods:
• Choose a command from a menu.
• Click a tool in a toolbar.
• Type the command in the command bar.
Some commands remain active until you end them, so you can repeat an action with-
out having to select a command repeatedly. You can end a command by clicking
Done in the prompt box or by pressing Esc.

Using commands
You can use most commands while another command is active. For example, while
drawing a line, you may want to use the Pan command to move the drawing across
the screen to select the endpoint of the line. You can also change the settings of draw-
ing aids such as snap or grid while other commands are active.

Starting commands using toolbars

To start a command from a toolbar, click a tool and respond to the prompts.

The available toolbars depend on the experience level that is set.

To change the current experience level, choose Tools > Options, and then click the
General tab.

Some tools, such as Line or Arc, contain flyouts, which are options either for using
the basic tool with different methods or that contain other, related tools. Flyouts are
indicated by a small triangle in the lower right corner of a tool. To display a flyout,
click the tool and hold down the mouse button. To select a tool from a flyout, point to
the tool you want and then release the mouse button. The tool you select on the flyout
becomes the default tool on the toolbar.

Starting commands using menus

To start a command from a menu, choose it from the list of menu options available.
The available menu options depend on the experience level that is set. To change the
current experience level, choose Tools > Options, and then click the General tab.
 GETTING STARTED 27

Starting commands using the command bar

Type a command, and then press Enter. If the command bar is displayed, the com-
mand you typed appears there. If the command bar is not displayed, the command
you typed appears in the status bar.

Quickly start commands using the command bar by copying, cutting, and pasting text.
In the command bar or Prompt History window, right-click to select various cut,
copy, and paste commands.

Repeating a command
You can repeat a command you used previously without having to reselect it.

To repeat the command you just used

1 Do one of the following:
• Press the spacebar.
• Press Enter.
• Click the right mouse button in the drawing.
To repeat commands you used previously
1 Do one of the following:
• In the command bar or Prompt History window, press Ctrl and double-click the
previous command text.
• In the command bar or Prompt History window, right-click, choose Recent
Commands, and then choose the desired command.
• Press Ctrl + K, repeat until you get back to the desired command, and then press
Enter. Press Ctrl + L to move forward to the desired command, and then press
Enter.
• Use the Up and Down arrows to display previously used commands, if Use Up/
Down Arrows for Command History Navigation is selected in Tools > Options.

Run a command multiple times using the command bar.

If you are using the command bar to type commands, you can type multiple before
starting some commands (Circle, Arc, and Rectangle, for example) to repeat a com-
mand indefinitely. When you are done with a command, press Esc.
28 CHAPTER 2

Nesting a command
If you are working in the command bar, you can use another command from within a
command, called nesting. To use a command inside an active command, type an
apostrophe before you type the command, such as ‘circle, ‘line, or ‘pyramid. You can
nest commands indefinitely in IntelliCAD. Many menu and toolbar macros work this
way by default; for example, select color, reference grid, zoom, and snap. When you
have finished with the nested command, the original command resumes.

Modifying a command
If you are working in the command bar, there are special ways that you can modify a
command as you work. You can modify the active command using any of the follow-
ing options:
• Entity snaps — Type an entity snap command, such as nearest or midpoint, to
enable a one-time entity snap for a single selection. You can also use a one-time
entity snap to override a running entity snap.
• Extension snaps — Type int after selecting a command, such as Line or Circle, to
enable a one-time snap to the logical location where two entities would intersect if
they were of infinite length. Type app to enable a similar one-time snap if the
extensions would not intersect in three-dimensional space but would intersect in
the current view.
• Midpoint snaps — Type m2p or mtp to enable a one-time snap to the midpoint of
two points that you specify.

Using the Prompt History window

The Prompt History window displays a history of the commands and prompts issued
since you started the current session of IntelliCAD. By default, the program tracks up
to 256 command lines. There is no limit to the number of command lines you can
track, but program performance may be degraded if you choose to track an exces-
sively high number of lines.

To display or close the Prompt History window

• Press F2.
To view entries in the Prompt History window
1 Do one of the following:
• Use the scroll bars.
• Press Ctrl + K to browse backward; press Ctrl + L to browse forward.
• Use the Up and Down arrows to display previously used commands, if Use Up/
Down Arrows for Command History Navigation is selected in Tools > Options.
 GETTING STARTED 29

To copy or paste text in the Prompt History window

1 If copying text, do one of the following:
• Highlight text using your mouse.
• Press Ctrl + Shift + arrow keys to highlight text.
2 Right-click and choose whether to copy or paste.

You can also copy the entire command history or the last command line.
Choose Copy History or Copy Last Line.

To change the number of command lines to track

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Options, and then click the Display tab.
• Type options and then press Enter. Click the Display tab.
2 In the Command Lines To Track field, type the number of command lines you
want to display, and then click OK.

Using mouse shortcuts

You can use your mouse, often combined with the keyboard, to start commands and
perform other actions.

Mouse shortcuts
Shortcut Action
Ctrl + Shift + Hold and drag left mouse button Real-Time Zoom command
Ctrl + Shift + Hold and drag right mouse button Real-Time Pan command
Ctrl + Hold and drag left mouse button Free Orbit command
Ctrl + Hold and drag right mouse button Constrained Z Orbit command
Ctrl + Left-click mouse Cycle select entities located below the cursor
Shift + Left-click mouse Deselect entities
Shift + Right-click mouse Entity snap shortcut menu
Hold and drag left mouse button Move selected entities
Ctrl + Hold and drag left mouse button Copy and move selected entities
Right-click mouse Display shortcut menu for the selected entity
Rotate mouse wheel Zoom In and Zoom Out commands
Hold mouse wheel, and then move mouse Pan command
30 CHAPTER 2

Using keyboard shortcuts

The following keyboard shortcuts start commonly used IntelliCAD commands. To
customize function keys, choose Tools > Function Keys, or choose Tools > Custom-
ize and click the Keyboard tab.

Keyboard shortcuts
Command Typed Entry Shortcut Description
Coordinate COORDINATE F6, Ctrl+D Switches coordinate display between On,
Off, and Angle/Distance.
Copy to Clipboard COPYCLIP Ctrl+C Copies selected entities to the Windows
clipboard.
Cut to Clipboard CUTCLIP Ctrl+X Cuts selected entities from the active
drawing and copies them into the Windows
clipboard.
Delete DELETE Del Removes the selected entities.
Entity Snap ESNAP F3 Turns entity snaps on and off.
Entity Snap ENTTRACK F11 Switches entity snap tracking on and off
Tracking
Exit EXIT Alt+F4 Closes all drawings and exits IntelliCAD.
Grid GRID F7 Turns the reference grid on and off.
Help HELP F1 Starts online Help.
Isometric Plane ISOPLANE F5, Ctrl+E Switches the isometric plane between Top,
Right, and Left.
New Drawing NEW Ctrl+N Creates a new, blank drawing.
Open Drawing OPEN Ctrl+O Displays the Open Drawing dialog box so
you can open another drawing.
Orthogonal ORTHOGONAL F8 Switches the orthogonal mode on and off.
 GETTING STARTED 31

Keyboard shortcuts
Command Typed Entry Shortcut Description
Pan PAN down Down Arrow Pans the drawing window view down by one
unit.
PAN left Left Arrow Pans the drawing window view left by one
unit.
PAN PGDown Page Down, Pans the drawing window view down by one
Shift+Down screen.
Arrow
PAN PGLeft Shift+Left Pans the drawing window view left by one
Arrow screen.
PAN PGRight Shift+Right Pans the drawing window view right by one
Arrow screen.
PAN PGUp Page Up, Pans the drawing window view up by one
Shift+Up screen.
Arrow
PAN Right Right Arrow Pans the drawing window view right by one
unit.
PAN Up Up Arrow Pans the drawing window view up by one
unit.
Paste from PASTECLIP Ctrl+V Pastes the contents of the Windows
Clipboard clipboard into the active drawing.
Polar Tracking POLARTRACK F10 Switches polar tracking on and off
Prompt History PMTHIST F2 Turns the Prompt History window on and off.
Window
Properties PROPERTIES Ctrl + 1 Displays or hides the Properties pane.
Print PRINT Ctrl+P Prints the active drawing.
Quick Save QSAVE Ctrl+S Saves the active drawing.
Redo REDO Ctrl+Y Reverses the action of the last Undo.
Select All SELGRIPS Ctrl+A Selects all entities in a drawing.
Snap SNAP F9 Turns snap settings on and off.
Undo U Ctrl+Z Reverses the last command action.
VBA Editor VBA Alt+F11 Opens the Visual Basic for Applications
editor so that you can create or modify a
VBA macro.
Window Close WCLOSE Ctrl+F4 Closes the active drawing window.

Using scripts
The IntelliCAD Script Recorder captures and saves many of your actions so you can
play them back. After you enable the Script Recorder, all commands and options that
you type in the command bar are recorded until you type a command to stop
recording. When you run the script, the program carries out the recorded commands
in succession.
32 CHAPTER 2

Correcting mistakes
IntelliCAD tracks the commands you use and the changes you make. If you change
your mind or make a mistake, you can undo, or reverse, the last action or several pre-
vious actions. You can also redo any actions that you reversed.

A B

A Click the Undo tool to reverse the last action.

B Click the Redo tool to reverse the previous
undos.

You can undo multiple actions by typing undo and specifying the number of actions
to undo.

Customizing IntelliCAD
You can tailor many aspects of IntelliCAD to better suit your needs. For example,
you can easily create and modify toolbars by simply dragging and dropping icons. If
you want to restore any area of the user interface back to its default state, click Reset.
IntelliCAD stores your customized settings in the Windows registry; you can also
store them in a separate file, called a profile.
IntelliCAD supports the most important AutoCAD customization files, including
linetypes, hatch patterns, text fonts, the unit conversion file, menus, toolbars, and
aliases. In addition, IntelliCAD unifies four AutoCAD customization functions with a
single customize command: command aliases, keyboard shortcuts, menus, and
toolbars.
You can also add custom programs written in any of several programming languages,
including the following:
• DRX (similar to the Autodesk® ARX language)
• LISP (the program’s Autodesk® AutoLISP-compatible language)
• SDS (similar to the Autodesk® ADS language)
• DIESEL
• Microsoft® Visual Studio Tools for Applications (VSTA)
• Microsoft® Visual Basic for Applications (VBA)
 GETTING STARTED 33

Getting online Help

IntelliCAD includes online Help, which contains task-oriented topics, a command
reference, a system variables reference, and a programming language reference.
You can display online Help in any of these ways:
• On the Standard toolbar, click Help ( ).
• Press F1.
• Choose a command from the Help menu.
• Click the question mark in a dialog box.
• Type help in the command bar.

Saving a drawing
You can save your drawing at any time.
To save a drawing, use one of the following methods:
• On the Standard toolbar, click Save ( ).
• Choose File > Save.
• Type save and then press Enter.
When you save a drawing the first time, the program displays the Save Drawing As
dialog box so that you can choose a directory and type a name for the drawing. To
save the drawing later using another name, do the following:
• Choose File > Save As and type the new name.

Exiting IntelliCAD
When you have finished working in IntelliCAD, choose File > Exit.
34 CHAPTER 2
 3

Working with drawings

CAD drawings help you organize information for greater efficiency. With Intelli-
CAD, you can draw entities representing different types of information on various
layers and use those layers to control color, linetype, and visibility. IntelliCAD also
includes drawing aids that help you draw accurately.
This section explains setting up drawings and using built-in drawing aids, including
how to:
• Create new drawings, open existing drawings, and save changes to drawings.
• Use aids such as the grid, snap, and orthogonal settings to draw accurately.

Topics in this chapter

Creating a new drawing ...................................................................................... 36
Opening a drawing.............................................................................................. 37
Setting up a drawing ........................................................................................... 40
Working with colors............................................................................................. 53
Using the grid, snap alignment, and cursor restriction ....................................... 61
Using orthogonal locking .................................................................................... 67
Using entity snaps .............................................................................................. 70
Saving your drawing ........................................................................................... 85
36 CHAPTER 3

Creating a new drawing

When you start IntelliCAD, the program automatically creates a new drawing based
on a template drawing, icad.dwt. This template includes predefined settings such as
drawing units, text size, print style table type, and drawing area. You can either use
these settings or change them according to your needs. There is nothing unique about
a template drawing. You can use any drawing as a template for future drawings.
You can save many steps by basing a new drawing on an existing template (.dwt file).
By doing this, a new drawing will contain all the settings and entities you need. When
you open a new drawing from your custom template, you can modify existing settings
and delete any entities that you don’t need. When you save a drawing that was created
using a template, you do not change the template.

To create a new drawing based on a template

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose File > New.
• Type newwiz and then press Enter.
2 Click Use A Template Drawing, and then click Next.
3 To display the Open Template dialog box, click Browse.
4 Select the template (.dwt) file that you want, and then click Open.
You can also choose any drawing (.dwg) file to use as a template.
5 Click Finish.
 WORKING WITH DRAWINGS 37

Opening a drawing
You can open drawing (.dwg) files, Drawing Exchange Format (.dxf) files, Design
Web Format (.dwf) files, and drawing template (.dwt) files.
You can also open and check drawings that you suspect are damaged.

Opening an existing drawing

You can open any of these drawing files:
• Standard drawing files with a .dwg extension.
In addition to your own drawing files, you can open and use one of the sample
drawings that are included with IntelliCAD.
• Drawing Exchange Format files with a .dxf file extension.
• Design Web Format files with a .dwf file extension.
• Drawing templates with a .dwt file extension.
To open an existing drawing
1 Use one of the following methods:
• Choose File > Open.
• On the Standard toolbar, click the Open tool ( ).
• Type open and then press Enter.
2 In Files of Type, choose the type of file you want to open.
3 Choose the folder containing the desired file.
4 Do one of the following:
• Choose the drawing you want to open, and then click Open.
• Double-click the drawing you want to open.
If the drawing requires a password, enter the password, click OK to verify the
password, and then click Open again.

You can also open drawings while browsing files on your computer.
Simply double-click the file or drag it to the drawing area in IntelliCAD. Using pro-
grams that came with your operating system, such as Windows File Explorer or My
Computer, you can find the drawing you want by viewing thumbnail images of the
drawing files as you browse them. If needed, choose Tools > Options and on the Gen-
eral tab, click Set Files Association to specify which filetypes are associated with
IntelliCAD.
38 CHAPTER 3

A
E

B
C

D
A Displays a description of the file size, creation
date, and other information about the drawing.
B Opens the drawing as read-only to prevent
making changes to the file.
C Turns the drawing preview on or off.
D Unavailable when opening drawings; available
only when saving drawings.
E If a thumbnail image exists in the selected
drawing, displays an image of the drawing before
you open it.
F Defines how drawings display in the list,
including file details and thumbnail images.

The most recently opened drawings are tracked on the File menu for easy opening.
Choose File > file name to quickly open a drawing file that you recently used.

Opening a damaged drawing

Files can become damaged for many reasons. For example, if you are working on a
drawing during a power outage, a system crash, or a hardware failure, your drawing
file may become damaged. IntelliCAD allows you to open and check damaged files
to attempt file recovery.
Recovering a file attempts to open one of the following file types:
• Standard drawing files with a .dwg extension.
• Drawing Exchange Format files with a .dxf file extension.
• Design Web Format files with a .dwf file extension.
• Drawing templates with a .dwt file extension.
 WORKING WITH DRAWINGS 39

You can also audit any open file to check it for errors. You specify whether you want
IntelliCAD to fix any errors that are found automatically. IntelliCAD fixes as many
errors as possible and any errors that cannot be fixed are reported as “Ignored” in the
Prompt History window.

To open a damaged file

1 Use one of the following methods:
• Choose File > Recover.
• Type recover and then press Enter.
2 In Files of Type, choose the type of file you want to recover.
3 Choose the directory containing the damaged file.
4 Choose the damaged file you want to recover.
5 Click Open.

If you want to check all drawings for errors automatically when you open them,
choose Tools > Options > General tab and mark the check box for Open Drawings
using Recover.

To check a drawing file for errors

1 With the drawing open that you want to check, do one of the following:
• Choose File > Audit.
• Type audit and then press Enter.
2 Choose whether you want IntelliCAD to fix any found errors automatically, and
then press Enter.

An ASCII file describes the audit.

If the AUDITCTL system variable is set to On and errors are found during a file
recovery or audit, an ASCII file is created that describes the audit. The ASCII file is
saved in the same folder as the audited drawing and has the same name as the draw-
ing file, but with an .adt extension.
40 CHAPTER 3

Setting up a drawing
You can specify individual settings when you create a new drawing or when you
modify settings in a drawing created from a template.

Setting the current layer

Layers are like the overlays that you use in manual drafting. You use layers to orga-
nize different types of drawing information. Every drawing has at least one layer, the
default layer, named “0.” Your drawing can also contain an unlimited number of
additional layers. When you create an entity, it is created on the current layer.

To set the current layer

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Format > Explore Layers.
• On the Format toolbar, click the Explore Layers tool ( ).
• Type explayers and then press Enter.
• Type la and then press Enter.
2 Double-click the layer name that you want to make current.
3 Close the IntelliCAD Explorer window.

Double-click the layer name that you want to make current.

Use the status bar shortcut.

On the status bar, right-click the current layer control, and from the list, select the
layer you want to make current.
 WORKING WITH DRAWINGS 41

Use the layer of an entity you select to set the current layer.
Type LAYBYENT in the command bar, choose Set, and select the entity with the layer
you want to be current.

Setting the current entity color

An entity’s color determines how it is displayed and, if you are using a color printer,
how it prints. Entities are created in the current color.
When you open a new drawing, entities are created in the color BYLAYER, which
adopts the color of the current layer. Initially, layer 0 is both the only layer and the
current layer. Its default color is white, so your entities appear as white.
There are index colors, which contain two additional color properties that are often
referred to as colors, true colors, and color book colors. The two additional color
properties are BYLAYER and BYBLOCK. These color properties cause an entity to
adopt the color either of the layer or of the block in which it is a member.

To set the current entity color

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Drawing Settings.
• On the Tools toolbar, click the Drawing Settings tool ( ).
• Type settings and then press Enter.
2 Click the Entity Creation tab.
3 Click Select Color.
4 In the Color dialog box, click one of the following tabs and select a color:
• Index Color — Click BYBLOCK, BYLAYER, or one of the 255 index colors.
You can also type the color number in the Index box.
• True Color — Click a basic color, click a color in the color palette, enter the Hue,
Saturation, and Luminance (HSL) values, or enter the Red, Green, Blue (RGB)
values. There are more than 16 million true colors from which you can choose.
• Color Books — Select a color book from the list, then click a color. You can
select Show Only Color Book Colors Used in Drawing to limit the selection to
only those color book colors that are used in the current drawing.
5 Click OK.
6 Click OK again.

Use the status bar shortcut.

On the status bar, right-click the current color, and select from the list the color you
want to use for new entities. You can also click Select Color to choose additional col-
ors.
42 CHAPTER 3

For more details about using color in the many aspects of your drawing, see “Work-
ing with colors” on page 53 in this chapter.

Setting the current linetype

Linetypes help convey information. You use different linetypes to differentiate the
purpose of one line from another. A linetype consists of a repeating pattern of dots,
dashes, or blank spaces. Linetypes determine the appearance of entities both on the
screen and when printed. By default, every drawing has at least three linetypes: CON-
TINUOUS, BYLAYER, and BYBLOCK. Your drawing may also contain an unlim-
ited number of additional linetypes.
When you create an entity, it is created using the current linetype. By default, the cur-
rent linetype is BYLAYER. IntelliCAD indicates that the entity linetype is deter-
mined by the current layer’s linetype by assigning the BYLAYER property as the
default linetype setting. When you assign BYLAYER, changing a layer’s linetype
changes the linetype of all the entities assigned that layer (if they were created using
the linetype BYLAYER).
You can also select a specific linetype as the current linetype, which overrides the
layer’s linetype setting. Entities are then created using that linetype, and changing the
layer linetype has no effect on them.
As a third option, you can use the linetype BYBLOCK property, in which case new
entities are drawn using the CONTINUOUS linetype until you group them into a
block. The entities then inherit the block’s linetype setting when you insert the block
into a drawing.

To set the current linetype

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Drawing Settings.
• On the Tools toolbar, click the Drawing Settings tool ( ).
• Type settings and then press Enter.
2 Click the Entity Creation tab.
3 In the Entity Linetype list, choose the linetype that you want to make current.
4 Click OK.

Use the status bar shortcut.

On the status bar, right-click the word BYLAYER for the current linetype, click Prop-
erties, and then choose the linetype that you want to make current.
 WORKING WITH DRAWINGS 43

Setting the linetype scale

You can specify the linetype scale. The smaller the scale, the more repetitions of the
linetype pattern are generated per drawing unit. For example, a linetype pattern is
defined as a sequence of dashed lines and open spaces, each 0.25 units long. The line-
type scale uses the drawing scale factor to determine the length. A scale factor of 0.5
would reduce the length of each line and space to 0.125 units; a scale factor of 2
would increase the length of each to 0.5 units.
Note that setting the linetype scale too large or too small may result in a line pattern
looking like a solid line, depending on what the scale view is or at what scale the
drawing is printed.
You can control a new entity’s individual linetype scale factor as well as the overall
or global scale factor applied to all the entities in the drawing.

To set the current individual linetype scale

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Drawing Settings.
• On the Tools toolbar, click the Drawing Settings tool ( ).
• Type settings and then press Enter.
2 Click the Entity Creation tab.
3 In the Linetype Scale field, type or choose the linetype scale that you want to
make current.
4 Click OK.

To change the global linetype scale

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Drawing Settings.
• On the Tools toolbar, click the Drawing Settings tool ( ).
• Type settings and then press Enter.
2 Click the Entity Creation tab.
3 In the Global Linetype Scale field, type or choose the global linetype scale that
you want to change.
4 Click OK.
44 CHAPTER 3

Setting the current lineweight

Lineweights help differentiate the purpose of one line from another. Lineweights
determine how thick or thin entities appear both on the screen and when printed.
Every drawing has these lineweights: DEFAULT, BYLAYER, BYBLOCK, and
many additional lineweights in millimeters (or you can use inches).
When you create an entity, it is created using the current lineweight. By default, the
current lineweight for a new entity is BYLAYER. This means that the entity line-
weight is determined by the current layer. When you assign BYLAYER, changing a
layer’s lineweight changes the lineweight of all the entities assigned that layer (if they
were created using the lineweight BYLAYER).
You can also select a specific lineweight (or DEFAULT) as the current lineweight,
which overrides the layer’s lineweight setting. Entities are then created using that lin-
eweight (or the DEFAULT lineweight), and changing the layer lineweight has no
effect on them.
As a third option, you can use the lineweight BYBLOCK property, in which case new
entities are drawn using the DEFAULT lineweight until you group them into a block.
The entities then inherit the block’s lineweight setting when you insert the block into
a drawing.
If you choose a lineweight that is less than .025 millimeter, it displays as one pixel
when you create your drawing. When you print your drawing, it prints at the thinnest
lineweight that is available for your printer.
You cannot assign lineweights to planes, points, TrueType fonts, or raster images (if
supported in your version of IntelliCAD).

To set the current lineweight

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Lineweight.
• On the Tools toolbar, click the Drawing Settings tool ( ).
• Type settings and then press Enter.
2 Click the Entity Creation tab.
3 In the Lineweight list, choose the lineweight that you want to make current.
4 Click OK.

Use the status bar shortcut.

On the status bar, right-click the word BYLAYER for the current lineweight, and then
choose the current lineweight. You can also double-click the word LWT to toggle the
display of lineweights on and off.
 WORKING WITH DRAWINGS 45

Lineweights need to be turned on to be visible.

To see lineweights in your drawing, you may need to turn on their visibility. For
details, see “Displaying lineweights” on page 161.

Setting the current print style

Print styles are used to change the appearance of an entity when it prints, without
actually changing the entity in the drawing.
If your drawing uses named print style tables, you can specify a print style for any
entity. Named print style tables contain print styles that you set up. If your drawing
uses color-dependent print style tables, the print style is BYCOLOR, which cannot be
changed. These types of print style tables determine printing requirements by the
color assigned to an entity or layer. For details about converting a drawing that uses
color-dependent print style tables to use named print style tables, see “Changing the
print style table type of a drawing” on page 441.
When you create an entity in a drawing that uses named print style tables, the entity is
created using the current print style. By default, the current print style is BYLAYER.
When you assign BYLAYER, changing a layer’s print style changes the print style of
all the entities assigned that layer if they were created using the print style
BYLAYER.
You can also select a specific print style as the current print style, which overrides the
layer’s print style setting. Entities are then created using that print style, and changing
the layer print style has no effect on them.
As a third option, you can use the print style BYBLOCK, in which case new entities
use the Normal print style until you group them into a block. The entities then inherit
the block’s print style setting when you insert the block into a drawing.

To set the current print style in a drawing that uses named print style tables
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Drawing Settings.
• On the Tools toolbar, click the Drawing Settings tool ( ).
• Type settings and then press Enter.
2 Click the Entity Creation tab.
3 In the Print Style list, choose the print style that you want to make current. If nec-
essary, choose Other and then select a print style.
4 Click OK.
46 CHAPTER 3

Use the status bar or command bar shortcut.

On the status bar, right-click the word BYLAYER for the current print style, click
Other, and then choose the print style that you want to make current. Or,
type printstyle to choose the current print style.

Setting drawing units

With IntelliCAD, you typically draw at full-size (1:1 scale), and then set a scale fac-
tor when you print or plot your drawing. Before you begin drawing, however, you
need to determine the relationship between drawing units and real-world units.
For example, you can decide whether one linear drawing unit represents an inch, a
foot, a meter, or a mile. In addition, you can specify the way the program measures
angles. For both linear and angular units, you can also set the degree of display preci-
sion, such as the number of decimal places or smallest denominator used when dis-
playing fractions. The precision settings affect only the display of distances, angles,
and coordinates. IntelliCAD always stores distances, angles, and coordinates using
floating-point accuracy.

To set the linear drawing units

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Drawing Settings.
• On the Tools toolbar, click the Drawing Settings tool ( ).
• Type settings and then press Enter.
2 Click the Drawing Units tab.
3 Under Change Settings For, choose Linear Units.
4 Under Unit Types, select a unit type.
5 Under Display Precision, type the display precision according to the number of
decimal places you want, or click the arrows to select it.
The field above this setting shows an example of the linear unit type at the current
precision.
6 Click OK.
 WORKING WITH DRAWINGS 47

A Determines the type of units you are controlling. C Choose the display precision for linear units.
B Select the type of linear units.

To set the angular drawing units

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Drawing Settings.
• On the Tools toolbar, click the Drawing Settings tool ( ).
• Type settings and then press Enter.
2 Click the Drawing Units tab.
3 Under Change Settings For, choose Angular Units.
4 Under Unit Types, select a unit type.
5 Under Display Precision, type the display precision according to the number of
decimal places you want, or click the arrows to select it.
The field above this setting shows an example of the angular unit type at the cur-
rent precision.
6 Under Angle Direction, select the direction in which angles increase when you
specify a positive angle value.
7 Under Angle Base, specify the compass location for the zero angle.
For example, by default, angle 0 is at the “three o’clock” or “east” position.
The adjacent icon shows the current location of the angle base.
8 Click OK.
48 CHAPTER 3

C
D

A Determines the type of units you are controlling. D Select the angle base, the direction of the zero
B Select the type of angular units. angle.
C Choose the display precision for angular units. E Select the direction in which angles increase.
 WORKING WITH DRAWINGS 49

Understanding scale factors

Instead of drawing to a particular scale, you draw everything in the program full-size.
Although it’s a good idea to keep your scale factor in mind when setting up a draw-
ing, you don’t need to set the scale until you print it. For example, when you draw a
mechanical part 40 inches in length with IntelliCAD, you actually draw it as 40
inches, rather than applying a scale factor as you draw. When you print your drawing,
you can assign the scale at which the drawing is to print.
Scale, however, does affect the way a few elements such as text, arrows, or linetypes
print or plot in your drawing. For these, you can make adjustments when you first set
up your drawing so that they print or plot at the correct size. For example, when you
draw text, you need to determine the text size so that when you print it later at a par-
ticular scale, the text height is correct.
After you determine the eventual scale of your finished drawing, you can calculate
the scale factor for the drawing as a ratio of one drawing unit to the actual scale unit
represented by each drawing unit. For example, if you plan to print your drawing at
1/8” = 1’-0”, your scale factor ratio is 1:96 (1/8” = 12” is the same as 1 = 96). If you
want your printed scale to be 1 inch = 100 feet, your scale factor ratio is 1:1200.
The following table shows some standard architectural and engineering scale ratios
and equivalent text heights required to create text that measures 1/8-inch high when
you print the drawing at the specified scale.

Standard scale ratios and equivalent text heights

Scale Scale factor Text height
1/16” = 1’-0” 192 24”
1/8” = 1’-0” 96 12”
3/16” = 1’-0” 64 8”
1/4” = 1’-0” 48 6”
3/8” = 1’-0” 32 4”
1/2” = 1’-0” 24 3”
3/4” = 1’-0” 16 2”
1” = 1’-0” 12 1.5”
1 1/2” = 1’-0” 8 1”
3” = 1’-0” 4 0.5”
1” = 10’ 120 15”
1” = 20’ 240 30”
1” = 30’ 360 45”
1” = 40’ 480 60”
1” = 50’ 600 75”
1” = 60’ 720 90”
1” = 100’ 1200 150”
50 CHAPTER 3

You can use these scale factors to predetermine the size of your drawing to make sure
that it fits on a specific size paper when you print it. You control the size of your
drawing by the drawing limits. To calculate the drawing limits to match the size of
your paper, multiply the dimensions of your paper size by your scale factor.
For example, if the paper you use to print measures 36 inches x 24 inches and you
print your drawing at 1/8” = 1’-0” (in other words, using a scale factor of 96), the size
of your drawing measured in drawing units is 36 x 96 (or 3,456 units) wide and 24 x
96 (or 2,304 units) high.
Keep in mind that you can print the finished drawing at any scale, regardless of the
scale factor you calculate. You can also print on paper of a different size and use the
Layout tabs to create different views of your drawing and to position and scale those
views differently. The scaling factor is not related to the size of the entities you draw;
it simply provides a preliminary guide to help you establish the text height and draw-
ing limits when you begin your drawing. You can change the text height and drawing
limits at any time.

Setting the text height

The text height setting controls the height of text, measured in drawing units. Set this
value initially so that text used for your most common annotations, when scaled to the
size at which you will print a drawing, measures 1/8-inch high on the printed draw-
ing.
For example, if you plan to print your drawing at 1/8” = 1’-0” and you want your text
to be 1/8-inch high in the final drawing, create that text 1 foot high (in your real-
world drawing units) so that when you print it, it appears 1/8-inch high on the paper.
You must create text 4 feet high that you want to print 1/2-inch high.

To set the text height

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Drawing Settings.
• On the Tools toolbar, click the Drawing Settings tool ( ).
• Type settings and then press Enter.
2 Click the Entity Creation tab.
3 Under Change Settings For, choose Text.
4 In the Default Text Height field, select the text height or type the text height value
that you want.
5 Click OK.
 WORKING WITH DRAWINGS 51

A
B

A Choose Text. B Specify the text height in drawing units.

The default text height applies only if the current text style height is 0.0.
Otherwise, the text height for the current style takes precedence.

Setting the drawing limits

You can specify the drawing limits that form an invisible boundary around your
drawing. You can use the drawing limits to make sure that you do not create a draw-
ing larger than can fit on a specific sheet of paper when printed at a specific scale.
For example, if you plan to print your drawing at 1/8” = 1’-0” (in other words, using a
scale factor of 96) on a sheet of paper measuring 36 inches x 24 inches, you can set
drawing limits to 3,264 units wide (that is, 34 x 96) and 2,112 units high (22 x 96),
which allows a 1-inch margin around the edges of the printed image.
52 CHAPTER 3

To set the drawing limits

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Drawing Settings.
• On the Tools toolbar, click the Drawing Settings tool ( ).
• Type settings and then press Enter.
2 Click either the Coordinate Input tab or the Display tab.
3 Under Change Settings For, choose Limits.
4 Specify the x-coordinate and y-coordinate of the upper right drawing limit and the
lower left drawing limit.
You can also click Select to specify the drawing limits by selecting points in the
drawing.
5 To constrain your drawing to these drawing limits, click the Disallow Input
Beyond Limits check box.
6 Click OK.

B
E
C

A Choose Limits. D When selected, the program prevents you from

B Specify the x-coordinate and y-coordinate of the drawing outside the drawing limits.
upper right drawing limit. E Specify the drawing limits by selecting points in
C Specify the x-coordinate and y-coordinate of the the drawing.
lower left drawing limit.
 WORKING WITH DRAWINGS 53

Working with colors

An entity’s color determines how it is displayed and, if you are using a color printer,
how it prints. Entities are created in the current color specified for the drawing.
Layers can also control the color of entities. When you open a new drawing, entities
are created in the color BYLAYER, which adopts the color of the current layer. Ini-
tially, layer 0 is both the only layer and the current layer. Its default color is white, so
your entities appear as white.
For entities and layers in IntelliCAD, there are three different types of colors:
• Index colors
• True colors
• Color book colors

True colors and color books are unavailable in some cases.

For example, for dimension entities and cursor display.

You can choose colors by selecting them from the Color dialog box. In the command
bar or in some dialog boxes, you specify a color either by name or by number.

Using index colors

There are 255 standard index colors and two additional color properties that are often
referred to as colors (BYLAYER and BYBLOCK). You can use seven of the 255
standard index colors by name: red, yellow, green, cyan, blue, magenta, and white.
(Numbers eight and nine are not named.) Each index color has a unique number from
1 to 255. The two additional color properties are BYLAYER and BYBLOCK. These
color properties cause an entity to adopt the color either of the layer or of the block in
which it is a member. BYLAYER is color number 256, and BYBLOCK is color num-
ber 0. In all commands for which you would use a color, you can indicate BYLAYER
and BYBLOCK as well as by numbers 256 and 0, respectively.

To select an index color

1 Click Select Color in the desired dialog box, such as Layers, Drawing Settings,
Properties, or Multiline Text.
The Color dialog box opens.
2 Click the Index Color tab.
3 Do one of the following:
• Click BYBLOCK.
• Click BYLAYER.
• Click the color of your choice, or type the color number in the Current box.
4 Click OK.
54 CHAPTER 3

B G
F

D E
A Click to select one of the standard colors. D Indicates the current color.
B Click to select one of the gray shades. E Displays the color number, or enter the color
C Click to select any one of the available index number.
colors. F Click to set the color to BYLAYER.
G Click to set the color to BYBLOCK.

Using true colors

There are more than 16 million true colors from which you can choose. True colors
are defined using 24-bit color.
Even with so many colors available, you can quickly choose a color from the display
of basic colors or by clicking the color palette. Alternatively, if you know the values
used to define the desired color, you can enter the Hue, Saturation, and Luminance
(HSL) values, or you can enter the Red, Green, Blue (RGB) values.

To select a true color

1 Click Select Color in the desired dialog box, such as Layers, Drawing Settings,
Properties, or Multiline Text.
The Color dialog box opens.
2 Click the True Color tab.
 WORKING WITH DRAWINGS 55

3 Do one of the following:

• Click a basic true color.
• Click a true color in the color palette.
• Enter HSL values for the desired true color.
• Enter RGB values for the desired true color.
4 Click OK.

A F

E
B
D

A Click to select one of the basic true colors. E Enter (or view) the amount of hue, saturation,
B Click to select one of the custom true colors, if and luminance of the desired true color.
any are defined. F Slide or click to adjust the color luminance.
C Click to add the selected color to the custom G Click to select a true color in the color palette.
color area.
D Enter (or view) the amount of red, green, and
blue of the desired true color.
56 CHAPTER 3

Using color books

IntelliCAD uses color books to store collections of colors. For example, you can store
a unique color scheme for a client in a color book and then use colors only from that
color book for the client’s drawings.

Selecting a color book color

To select a color book color
1 Click Select Color in the desired dialog box, such as Layers, Drawing Settings,
Properties, or Multiline Text.
The Color dialog box opens.
2 Click the Color Books tab.
3 Select a color book from the list.
4 If you want to narrow your color search, do one of the following:
• In the list of colors, select a color book page, if one is available. Pages are partic-
ularly helpful in large color books — they help group colors so you can find
them quickly.
• Select Show Only Color Book Colors Used in Drawing. Only those color book
colors that are used in the current drawing will display in the list.
5 Select the desired color.
6 Click OK.
 WORKING WITH DRAWINGS 57

B
E

A Select a color book. D Click to create and modify color books.

B Click to select a color book color. E Displays the selected color and its RGB values.
C Select to list only those color book colors that are
used in the current drawing.

Creating color books

You may have a color book given to you by a client, developed by a third-party, or
you can create your own. Each color book has an .acb extension and is saved auto-
matically in Extensible Markup Language (XML) format.

To create a color book

1 Click Select Color in the desired dialog box, such as Layers, Drawing Settings,
Properties, or Multiline Text.
The Color dialog box opens.
2 Click the Color Books tab.
3 Click Color Book Editor.
4 In the Color Book Editor dialog box, click the New tool ( ).
5 In Color Book Name, enter the name of the color book. This name will appear in
the list of color books on the Color Books tab in the Color dialog box.
58 CHAPTER 3

6 Do the following to define organizational pages in the color book:

• In the contents of the color book, click an existing page or color where you want
to add a page.
• Define a color in the palette.
• Enter the name of the page, and then click Add Page.
7 Do the following to define colors in the color book:
• In the contents of the color book, click an existing page or color where you want
to add a color.
• Define a color in the palette.
• Enter the name of the color, and then click Add Color.
8 Do any of the following to change existing pages and colors in the color book:
• Modify pages and colors — Select a page or color in the color book, define its
new color settings in the palette, enter any changes to its name, and then click
Modify.
• Delete pages and colors — Select a page or color in the color book, and then
click Delete.
• Rearrange pages and colors — Select a page or color in the color book, and then
click the up arrow ( ) or down arrow ( ).
9 In the Color Book Editor dialog box, click the Save tool ( ).
10 Enter a filename for the color book, and then click Save.
By default, the file is saved in the default folder where IntelliCAD searches for
color books.
 WORKING WITH DRAWINGS 59

A
M
L

B
K

C
J
D
E
F I

G
H

A Click New to create a color book; click Open to G Click to move the selected page or color up or
open a color book; click Save to save the color down one position in the color book.
book; click Save As to save the color book with a H Enter the name of the page or color as you want
new filename. it to appear in the color book.
B Select a page or color to modify, delete, or I Enter (or view) the amount of red, green, and
reorder it, or to view its settings. blue of the desired color.
C Click to create a new page in the color book J Enter (or view) the amount of hue, saturation,
using the current color settings. and luminance of the desired color.
D Click to create a new color in the color book K Slide or click to adjust the color luminance.
using the current color settings.
L Click to select a color.
E Click to delete the selected page or color from
the color book. M Enter the name of the color book.
F Click to redefine the selected page or color to
use the current color settings.
60 CHAPTER 3

Modifying color books

You can modify your own color books and the color books that came with Intelli-
CAD. If you modify a color book that came with IntelliCAD, it is recommended that
you save it with a new filename first so the original color book is not overwritten.

To modify a color book

1 Click Select Color in the desired dialog box, such as Layers, Drawing Settings,
Properties, or Multiline Text.
The Color dialog box opens.
2 Click the Color Books tab.
3 Select the color book you want to modify.
4 Click Color Book Editor.
5 In Color Book Name, enter any changes to the color book name. This name
appears in the list of color books on the Color Books tab in the Color dialog box.
6 Do any of the following to modify pages or colors in the color book:
• Add pages — In the contents of the color book, click an existing page or color
where you want to add a page. Define a color in the palette, enter the name of
the page, and then click Add.
• Add colors — In the contents of the color book, click an existing page or color
where you want to add a color. Define a color in the palette, enter the name of
the color, and then click Add.
• Modify pages and colors — Select a page or color in the color book, define its
new color settings in the palette, enter any changes to its name, and then click
Modify.
• Delete pages and colors — Select a page or color in the color book, and then
click Delete.
• Rearrange pages and colors — Select a page or color in the color book, and then
click the up arrow ( ) or down arrow ( ).
7 Do one of the following to save the color book:
• To save the color book with the same filename, click the Save tool ( ) in the
Color Book Editor.
• To save the color book with a new filename or in a new location, click the
Save As tool ( ) in the Color Book Editor.
 WORKING WITH DRAWINGS 61

Loading color books

If you have a color book given to you by a client or developed by a third-party, sim-
ply save it on your computer in a folder where IntelliCAD can find it. By default,
color books are stored in following folder: \Documents and Settings\YourName\My
Documents\Color Books.

To load a color book

1 Save the color book in the folder where IntelliCAD searches for color books.
To verify the folder location, choose Tools > Options, click the Paths/Files tab,
and find the Color Book folder in the Paths list.
2 In a Color dialog box, click the Color Books tab.
The previously loaded color book displays in the list of color books.

Using the grid, snap alignment, and cursor restriction

Grid and snap settings are effective tools to use in your drawing to ensure accuracy.
Although many users find it convenient to match grid points to snap settings, they are
independent of each other and should not be confused. Grid points are for visual ref-
erence only; they do not affect your drawing and they do not print. Snap points are,
by themselves, not visible; however, when set, they constrain the creation of new
entities.
In addition, the cursor can be restricted to move orthogonally only or guides can dis-
play on the screen automatically at specified polar angle increments.
62 CHAPTER 3

Setting a reference grid

A reference grid displays as a pattern of regularly spaced dots or lines. You can turn
the grid on and off, and you can specify how far apart the dots or lines are spaced.
By default, the reference grid displays as lines, and it is adaptive (it proportionately
scales according to the zoom ratio), helping you to align entities and visualize dis-
tances between entities. If desired, the grid can be constrained to only display within
the limits of the drawing.

To turn the grid on or off and set the grid spacing

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Drawing Settings.
• On the Tools toolbar, click the Drawing Settings tool ( ).
• Type settings and then press Enter.
2 Click the Coordinate Input tab.
3 Under Change Settings For, choose Snap and Grid.
4 Click the Grid On check box to turn the grid on or off.
5 Under Grid Spacing, in the X field, choose the horizontal grid spacing.
6 Under Grid Spacing, in the Y field, choose the vertical grid spacing.
7 Click OK.

Use the shortcuts for toggling the grid display on and off.
Double-click the GRID setting on the status bar, click the Reference Grid tool ( )
on the Settings toolbar, or press F7.
 WORKING WITH DRAWINGS 63

A
B

C Q

D P
E O

F N
M
G
L

H K
I J

A Click to enable orthogonal mode.
B Click to enable crosshairs locking to the nearest
snap point.
C Click to enable snap mode.
D Specify the x and y snap spacing.
E Specify the polar snap spacing (available if Snap
Type is set to Polar).
F Select whether to use standard grid snapping
(Grid) or to use polar snapping (Polar).
G Click to use a rectangular or isometric snap. If
isometric, select the initial isoplane: top, left
(default), or right.
H Specify the x- and y-coordinates of the snap
origin.
I Specify the snap rotation angle. The grid will
display rotated to match the snap setting.
J Click to display a dotted grid for paper sheets
and layouts (Layout tabs); otherwise a lined grid
displays.
K Click to display a dotted grid for model space
(Model tab); otherwise a lined grid displays.
L Click to display the grid beyond the limits area.
M Click to split the grid if the zoom level is smaller
than the grid unit (available if adaptive grid is
turned on).
N Click to enable an adaptive grid, which
proportionally scales according to the zoom
ratio.
O Enter the number of minor grid lines to display
for every major grid line.
P Specify the x and y grid spacing.
Q Click to display the reference grid.
64 CHAPTER 3

Setting snap spacing

Another way to ensure drawing accuracy is to turn on and set snap spacing. When
snap is turned on, the program restricts the selection points to predetermined snap
intervals. Although it is often helpful to match the snap spacing to some interval of
the grid spacing or another related setting, the settings do not have to match.

To turn snap settings on and set snap spacing

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Drawing Settings.
• On the Tools toolbar, click the Drawing Settings tool ( ).
• Type settings and then press Enter.
2 Click the Coordinate Input tab.
3 Under Change Settings For, choose Snap and Grid.
4 Click the Snap On check box to turn Snap on.
5 Under Snap Spacing, in the X field, choose the horizontal snap spacing.
6 Under Snap Spacing, in the Y field, choose the vertical snap spacing.
7 Click OK.

Use the shortcuts for toggling the snap settings on and off.
Double-click the SNAP setting on the status bar or press F9.

In addition to setting the snap spacing, you can change the snap and grid orientation.
You can also rotate the alignment of the grid or set it to create isometric drawings.
 WORKING WITH DRAWINGS 65

Changing the snap and grid angle and base point

The snap and grid are both normally based on the drawing origin, the 0,0 coordinate
in the World Coordinate System (WCS). You can relocate the snap and grid origin,
however, to help you draw entities in relation to a different location. You can also
rotate the grid to a different angle to realign the crosshairs to the new grid angle. If the
grid is on, and the grid spacing is 0,0, then the grid defaults to the snap spacing.

To change the snap angle and base point

1 Do one of the following:
• Click Tools > Drawing Settings.
• On the Tools toolbar, click the Drawing Settings tool ( ).
• Type settings and then press Enter.
2 Click the Coordinate Input tab.
3 Under Change Settings For, select Snap and Grid.
4 Click the Snap On check box to turn Snap on.
5 Click the Grid On check box to turn Grid on.
6 In Snap Basepoint, type the x-coordinate and y-coordinate of the new snap origin.
7 In Rotation, type the snap rotation angle, which also changes the display of the
grid.
8 Click OK.

Default grid and snap alignment. Rotated grid and snap alignment.
66 CHAPTER 3

Using isometric snap and grid

You can use the Isometric Snap and Grid option to create two-dimensional isometric
drawings. With the isometric option, you are simply drawing a simulated three-
dimensional view on a two-dimensional plane, much the same as you might draw on
a piece of paper. Do not confuse isometric drawings with three-dimensional draw-
ings. You create three-dimensional drawings in three-dimensional space.
The isometric option always uses three preset planes, which are denoted as left, right,
and top. You cannot alter the arrangement of these planes. If the snap angle is 0, the
three isometric axes are 30 degrees, 90 degrees, and 150 degrees.
When you use the Isometric Snap option and select an isometric plane, the snap inter-
vals, grid, and crosshairs align with the current plane. The grid is always shown as
isometric and uses y-coordinates to calculate the grid spacing. If you click the Draw
Orthogonal check box, the program restricts the drawing of entities to the current iso-
metric plane.

Use the shortcut to toggle between isometric planes.

Press F5.

To turn the Isometric Snap and Grid option on

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Drawing Settings.
• On the Tools toolbar, click the Drawing Settings tool ( ).
• Type settings and then press Enter.
2 Click the Coordinate Input tab.
3 Under Change Settings For, select Snap and Grid.
4 Click the Snap On check box to turn Snap on.
5 Click the Grid On check box to turn Grid on.
6 Under Snap Type, choose Isometric, then choose the option for the initial isomet-
ric plane you want (Top, Left, or Right).
7 Click OK.

A B

Isometric planes left (A), right (B), top (C).

 WORKING WITH DRAWINGS 67

Using orthogonal locking

You can restrict cursor movement to the current horizontal and vertical axes so that
you can draw at right angles, or orthogonally. For example, with the default 0-degree
orientation (angle 0 at the “three o’clock” or “east” position), when the Draw Orthog-
onal option is enabled, lines are restricted to 0 degrees, 90 degrees, 180 degrees, or
270 degrees. As you draw lines, the rubber-banding line follows either the horizontal
or vertical axis, depending on which axis is farthest from the cursor. When you
enable the isometric snap and grid, cursor movement is restricted to orthogonal
equivalents within the current isometric plane.

Sometimes orthogonal locking is not used even when it is turned on.

IntelliCAD ignores orthogonal locking when you type coordinates in the command
bar or when you use entity snaps. Additionally, orthogonal locking and polar track-
ing cannot be used at the same time — turning one option on turns the other option
off.

To enable orthogonal locking

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Drawing Settings.
• On the Tools toolbar, click the Drawing Settings tool ( ).
• Type settings and then press Enter.
2 Click the Coordinate Input tab.
3 Click the Draw Orthogonal check box.
4 Click OK.

Toggle orthogonal locking on and off.

Double-click the ORTHO setting on the status bar, click the Draw Orthogonal tool
( ) on the Settings toolbar, or press F8.
68 CHAPTER 3

Using polar tracking

When polar tracking is turned on, guides display on the screen automatically at the
polar angle increment that you specify. For example, if you draw a line with polar
tracking turned on at 45 degrees, the rubber-banding line displays at 45 degree angle
increments.
Polar tracking and orthogonal locking cannot be used at the same time — turning one
option on turns the other option off.

To enable polar tracking and specify the polar angle increment

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Drawing Settings.
• On the Tools toolbar, click the Drawing Settings tool ( ).
• Type settings and then press Enter.
2 Click the Coordinate Input tab.
3 Under Change Settings For, select Polar Tracking.
4 Click the Polar Tracking check box.
5 Do one of the following to specify the polar angle increments:
• In Increment, select an angle.
• Mark the Additional Angles check box and click New to define a custom angle
increment.
6 Click OK.

Toggle polar tracking on and off.

Double-click the POLAR setting on the status bar, type POLARTRACK in the com-
mand line, or press F10.
 WORKING WITH DRAWINGS 69

A
B

C
D

E
F

A Select Polar Tracking. D Select to specify angle increments that are not
B Select to display polar tracking guides on the defined in the Increment Angle list.
screen. E Click to add a new angle increment.
C Select the angle at which you want the guides to F Click to delete the currently selected angle from
display. the Additional Angles list.
70 CHAPTER 3

Using entity snaps

Entity snaps enable you to quickly select exact geometric points on existing entities
without having to know the exact coordinates of those points. With entity snaps, you
can select the endpoint of a line or arc, the center point of a circle, the intersection of
any two entities, or any other geometrically significant position. You can also use
entity snaps to draw entities that are tangent or perpendicular to an existing entity.
You can use entity snaps any time the program prompts you to specify a point—for
example, if you are drawing a line or other entity. You can work with entity snaps in
one of two ways:
• Enable a running entity snap that remains in effect until you turn it off by choosing
an entity snap when no other command is active.
• Enable a one-time entity snap for a single selection by choosing an entity snap
when another command is active. You can also use a one-time entity snap to over-
ride a running entity snap.

If you type the name of entity snaps, you don’t need to type the whole name.
Type only the first three letters of the snap name.

When using entity snaps, the program recognizes only visible entities or visible por-
tions of entities. You cannot snap to entities on layers that have been turned off or to
the blank portions of dashed lines.
When you specify one or more entity snaps, an entity snap target box is added to the
crosshairs. In addition, an icon appears adjacent to the crosshairs indicating the active
entity snap. When you select an entity, the program snaps to the snap point closest to
the center of the target box.

Setting entity snaps

You can set entity snaps using any of the following methods:
• Choose Tools > Entity Snap, and choose the entity snap you want to set.
• On the Entity Snaps toolbar, click one of the entity snap tools.
• In the command bar, type an entity snap command.
• In the status bar, double-click ESNAP.
• Press and hold down the Shift key while right-clicking anywhere within the draw-
ing window to display the entity snap shortcut menu, and then choose the entity
snap you want to set.

You can also set entity snaps using the Drawing Settings dialog box. To do this,
choose Tools > Entity Snap > Entity Snap Settings. The Drawing Settings dialog box
is displayed with the Coordinate Input tab active. In the Entity Snap Modes list, click
the check box for each of the entity snaps that you want to set.
 WORKING WITH DRAWINGS 71

There are several indicators if an entity snap is active.

If you select an entity snap, a check mark appears next to the entity snap in the menu,
the associated tool if the Entity Snaps toolbar is active, and the corresponding box is
checked in the Coordinate tab of the Drawing Settings dialog box.

To change the size of the entity snap target box

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Drawing Settings.
• On the Tools toolbar, click the Drawing Settings tool ( ).
• Type settings and then press Enter.
2 Click the Coordinate Input tab.
3 Under Change Settings For, choose Entity Selection.
4 Under Entity Snap Aperture, change the value in the Aperture field.
5 Click OK.

A Choose Entity Selection. B Type or select the entity snap aperture size.
72 CHAPTER 3

Nearest Snap tool

Use the Nearest Snap tool to snap to the nearest point of another entity. You can snap
to the nearest point on an arc, circle, ellipse, elliptical arc, line, point, polyline seg-
ment, ray, spline, infinite line, or hatch pattern that is visually closest to the cursor.

To set the Nearest Snap

Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Entity Snap > Nearest Snap.
• On the Entity Snaps toolbar, click the Set Nearest Snap tool ( ).
• Type nearest and then press Enter.
Endpoint Snap tool
Use the Endpoint Snap tool to snap to the endpoint of another entity. You can snap to
the closest endpoint of an arc, line, polyline segment, ray, hatch pattern, plane, or
three-dimensional face. If an entity has thickness, the Endpoint Snap also snaps to the
endpoints of the edges of the entity.
To set the Endpoint Snap
Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Entity Snap > Endpoint Snap.
• On the Entity Snaps toolbar, click the Set Endpoint Snap tool ( ).
• Type endpoint and then press Enter.

To snap to the endpoint, select anywhere on the entity near its endpoint (A).

Midpoint Snap tool

Use the Midpoint Snap tool to snap to the midpoint of another entity. You can snap to
the midpoint of an arc, ellipse, line, polyline segment, plane, infinite line, spline, or
hatch pattern. In the case of infinite lines, the midpoint snaps to the first defined
point. If an entity has thickness, the midpoint entity snap also snaps to the midpoint of
the edges of the entity.

Type m2p or mtp to enable a one-time snap to the midpoint of two points.
You specify the points, such as two points selected using entity snaps.
 WORKING WITH DRAWINGS 73

To set the Midpoint Snap

Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Entity Snap > Midpoint Snap.
• On the Entity Snaps toolbar, click the Set Midpoint Snap tool ( ).
• Type midpoint and then press Enter.

To snap to the midpoint, select anywhere on the entity near its midpoint (A).

Center Snap tool

Use the Center Snap tool to snap to the center point of another entity. You can snap to
the center of an arc, circle, polygon, ellipse, or elliptical arc. To snap to the center,
you must select a visible portion of the entity.

To set the Center Snap

Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Entity Snap > Center Snap.
• On the Entity Snaps toolbar, click the Set Center Snap tool ( ).
• Type center and then press Enter.

To snap to the center, select anywhere on the visible portion of the entity (A).

Perpendicular Snap tool

Use the Perpendicular Snap tool to snap to the perpendicular point of another entity.
You can snap to an arc, circle, ellipse, line, polyline, infinite line, ray, spline, hatch
pattern, or edge of a plane to form a perpendicular alignment with that entity or with
an imaginary extension of that entity.
74 CHAPTER 3

To set the Perpendicular Snap

Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Entity Snap > Perpendicular Snap.
• On the Entity Snaps toolbar, click the Set Perpendicular Snap tool ( ).
• Type perpendicular and then press Enter.

To form a perpendicular angle (A) to an entity (B), select anywhere on

the entity.

Tangent Snap tool

Use the Tangent Snap tool to snap to the tangent point of another entity. You can snap
to the point on an arc, ellipse, spline, or circle that, when connected to the previous
point, forms a line tangent to that entity.

To set the Tangent Snap

Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Entity Snap > Tangent Snap.
• On the Entity Snaps toolbar, click the Set Tangent Snap tool ( ).
• Type tangent and then press Enter.

To snap to a tangent, select the entity near the tangent point (A).
 WORKING WITH DRAWINGS 75

Quadrant Snap tool

Use the Quadrant Snap tool to snap to the quadrant point of another entity. You can
snap to the closest quadrant of an arc, circle, ellipse, or elliptical arc.

To set the Quadrant Snap

Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Entity Snap > Quadrant Snap.
• On the Entity Snaps toolbar, click the Set Quadrant Snap tool ( ).
• Type quadrant and then press Enter.

To snap to a quadrant, select the entity near the quadrant point (A).

Insertion Point Snap tool

Use the Insertion Point Snap tool to snap to the insertion point of an attribute, block,
or text entity.

To set the Insertion Point Snap

Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Entity Snap > Insertion Point Snap.
• On the Entity Snaps toolbar, click the Set Insertion Point Snap tool ( ).
• Type insertion and then press Enter.

To snap to an insertion point, select anywhere on the entity (A).

76 CHAPTER 3

Node Snap tool

Use the Node Snap tool to snap to a point entity.

To set the Node Snap

Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Entity Snap > Node Snap.
• On the Entity Snaps toolbar, click the Set Node Snap tool ( ).
• Type node and then press Enter.

To snap to a point entity, select the entity (A).

Parallel Snap tool

Use the Parallel Snap tool to show parallel guides when picking second and subse-
quent points of new entities. Guides display parallel to points that you indicate on
other lines, infinite lines, rays, or linear segments of polylines.

Turn ORTHO off before using parallel snapping

If on, double-click ORTHO on the status bar to turn it off.

To set the Parallel Snap

Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Entity Snap > Parallel Snap.
• On the Entity Snaps toolbar, click the Set Parallel Snap tool ( ).
• Type parallel and then press Enter.

Select the first point of an entity (A), hover over the desired parallel entity (B),
then move the cursor back to the new entity to view the guide.
 WORKING WITH DRAWINGS 77

To snap to a parallel point

1 Choose a command, for example, line.
2 Select the entity’s first point.
3 Type par and then press Enter.
4 Move the cursor over the desired parallel entity. A small “x” marks the position on
the parallel entity.
5 Select additional parallel entities if necessary. You can also deselect a parallel
entity by moving the cursor over its corresponding “x.”
6 Move the cursor back to the entity you are creating and use the parallel guide to
select the next point of the entity.

Apparent Intersection Snap tool

The Apparent Intersection Snap tool snaps to the intersection of two entities that do
not intersect in three-dimensional space but seem to intersect in the current view. You
can snap to any two entities in the combination of an arc, circle, line, infinite line,
polyline, ray, ellipse, elliptical arc, spline, hatch pattern, polygon mesh, or polyface
mesh. You can also snap to an intersection point within a single entity, including a
polyline or spline.
The Extended Apparent Intersection Snap option snaps to the logical location where
two entities (lines, arcs, or elliptical segments) would intersect if they were of infinite
length. IntelliCAD automatically uses the extension option only when you type app
in the command bar (not the full apparent command name) after selecting a com-
mand, such as Line or Circle. Dashed extension lines are drawn to help show the
extended apparent intersection.

There are two types of intersection snaps.

You can set the Apparent Intersection Snap or Intersection Snap, but you cannot use
both at the same time.

To set the Apparent Intersection Snap

Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Entity Snap > Apparent Intersection Snap.
• On the Entity Snaps toolbar, click the Apparent Intersection Snap tool ( ).
78 CHAPTER 3

• Type apparent and then press Enter.

To snap to an intersection, select the apparent intersection (A).

To snap to an extended apparent intersection point

1 Choose a command, for example, line.
2 Type app and then press Enter.
3 Select an extended apparent intersection point.

The Extended Apparent Intersection Snap turns off automatically after you select a
point.

Quick Snap command

Normally, an entity snap searches all the entities crossing the target and selects the
one closest to the center of the target. Use the Quick Snap command to modify the
current entity snap so that the program stops searching for the snap point as soon as it
finds one entity with at least one point of the current entity type.

To set the Quick Snap

• Type quick and then press Enter.

Clear Entity Snaps tool

Use the Clear Entity Snaps tool to turn off all entity snap settings, regardless of how
they were set: by menu, tool, command, or in the Drawing Settings dialog box.

To set Clear Entity Snaps

Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Entity Snap > Clear Entity Snaps.
• On the Entity Snaps toolbar, click the Clear Entity Snaps tool ( ).
• Type none and then press Enter.
 WORKING WITH DRAWINGS 79

From Point tool

Use the From Point tool to set a temporary base point from which to offset point
selection. The From Point tool can be used only while another active command is
requesting a point.

To set a temporary offset point

1 Choose a command, for example, line or move.
2 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Entity Snap > From Point.
• On the Entity Snaps toolbar, click the From Point tool ( ).
• Type from and then press Enter.
3 Select where to place the temporary base point.
4 Enter the offset distance from the base point, for example, (@8.5,0), where you
want to locate the next point. Note that entering (8.5,0) places an absolute point
from the UCS origin, not a relative point from the base point.
5 Continue with the original command.

Temporary Tracking Point tool

Use the Temporary Tracking Point tool to set a temporary tracking point while using
a command. The Temporary Tracking Point tool can be used only while another
active command is requesting a point.

To set a temporary tracking point

1 Choose a command, for example, line or move.
2 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Entity Snap > Temporary Tracking Point.
• On the Entity Snaps toolbar, click the Temporary Tracking Point tool ( ).
• Type TT and then press Enter.
3 Select a point to mark a temporary tracking point.
4 Continue with the original command.
80 CHAPTER 3

Mid Between 2 Points tool

Use the Mid Between 2 Points tool to set a temporary midpoint snap between two
points. The Mid Between 2 Points tool can be used only while another active com-
mand is requesting a point.

To set a temporary midpoint snap between two points

1 Choose a command, for example, line or move.
2 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Entity Snap > Mid Between 2 Points.
• On the Entity Snaps toolbar, click the Mid Between 2 Points tool ( ).
• Type m2p (or mtp) and then press Enter.
3 Select the first point.
4 Select the second point. The midpoint is calculated automatically.
5 Continue with the original command.

Using fly-over snapping

Fly-over snapping is a visual aid to help you see and use entity snaps more efficiently.
When fly-over snapping is turned on, IntelliCAD displays a colored marker at match-
ing entity snap points as you move the crosshairs around the drawing.

Viewing fly-over snap markers

Each entity snap has its own marker.

Fly-over snap markers

Marker Entity snap
Endpoint Snap

Nearest Snap

Midpoint Snap

Center Snap

Perpendicular Snap

Tangent Snap

Quadrant Snap

Insertion Snap

Parallel Snap
 WORKING WITH DRAWINGS 81

Fly-over snap markers

Marker Entity snap
Point Snap

Intersection Snap

Apparent Intersection Snap

Setting up fly-over snapping

When fly-over snapping is enabled and multiple entity snaps are on, you can press
Tab to cycle through the available entity snap points of the entities covered by the tar-
get box. For example, when the Endpoint and Midpoint Snaps are on and the aperture
box is located on a line, press Tab to cycle between the line's closest endpoint and
midpoint.

To set the fly-over snapping options

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Drawing Settings.
• Choose Tools > Entity Snap > Entity Snap Settings.
• On the Tools toolbar, click the Drawing Settings tool ( ).
• Type settings and then press Enter.
2 Click the Coordinate Input tab.
3 Click Fly-Over. The Options dialog box opens to the Snapping tab.
4 Mark Enable Fly-over Snapping to turn on fly-over snapping.
5 Set the fly-over options, including the color, size, and thickness of the snap
marker.
6 Click OK.
7 Click OK again.
82 CHAPTER 3

For details about the various fly-over snapping options, see “Changing the options on
the Snapping tab” on page 543.

Using entity snap tracking

When entity snap tracking is turned on, guides display at specified angles outward
from temporary tracking points. This can help you draw and modify entities using the
relative position of existing entities, for example, inserting a block with the same y-
coordinate of an existing line.
Temporary tracking points are marked with a red plus sign, and can be placed any-
where in the drawing. To select where tracking points display, first activate a com-
mand that requests a point, then:
• Move the cursor and hover over an entity snap point to add a tracking point.
• Choose the Temporary Tracking Point command, then select anywhere in the
drawing for the tracking point to reside.
• Move the cursor and hover over an existing tracking point to remove a tracking
point.

You can set up entity snap tracking to display guides at 90-degree increments or addi-
tional increments that are defined for polar tracking. You can also set up entity snap
tracking to display guides relative to the current UCS or relative to the last segment
drawn.
To use entity snap tracking, at least one entity snap must be turned on and running
snaps cannot be turned off. Polar tracking does not have to be turned on in order to
use entity snap tracking.

To turn entity snap tracking on or off

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Drawing Settings.
• On the Tools toolbar, click the Drawing Settings tool ( ).
• Type settings and then press Enter.
2 Click the Coordinate Input tab.
3 Under Change Settings For, select Entity Snaps.
4 Click the Entity Snap Tracking checkbox.
 WORKING WITH DRAWINGS 83

Toggle entity snap tracking on and off.

Double-click the ETRACK setting on the status bar, type ENTTRACK, or press F11.

C
A

Start a command, hover over one or more entity snap points to mark them with a
tracking point (A then B), then move the cursor to view the guides (C). In this
example, the Midpoint Snap is turned on and entity snap tracking displays at 90-
degree increments.

To specify settings for entity snap tracking

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Drawing Settings.
• On the Tools toolbar, click the Drawing Settings tool ( ).
• Type settings and then press Enter.
2 Click the Coordinate Input tab.
3 Under Change Settings For, select Polar Tracking.
4 Select one of the following to specify entity tracking settings:
• Orthogonal Only 90-degree angle increments are used for entity snap tracking,
regardless of polar tracking settings.
• Use all polar tracking angles All defined polar tracking angles, including those
other than 90-degree angle increments, are used for entity snap tracking.
5 Select one of the following to specify how the angles of guides are calculated for
entity snap tracking:
• Absolute Guides display at angles relative to the current UCS.
• Relative to last segment Guides display at angles relative to the last segment
drawn, if creating entities with multiple segments (otherwise guides display at
absolute angles).
6 Click OK.
84 CHAPTER 3

A Select to use either 90-degree increment angles B Select whether angles for guides are calculated
or all angles specified in Increment Angle and relative to the current UCS or relative to the last
Additional Angles for polar tracking. previously drawn segment when drawing entities
with more than one segment.
 WORKING WITH DRAWINGS 85

Saving your drawing

When you save a drawing, your work is saved in a drawing (.dwg) file.
After you have saved your drawing for the first time, you can save it with a new
name. In addition to drawing (.dwg) files, you can also save a drawing in a Drawing
Exchange Format (.dxf) file or a drawing template (.dwt) file.
If you created your drawing using a template, saving the drawing does not alter the
original template.
If you need an added level of security for your drawing files, you can save the draw-
ing with a password so only you and those who know the password can open the
drawing.

Saving a drawing
To save a drawing, choose any of the following methods:
• Choose File > Save.
• On the Standard toolbar, click Save ( ).
• Type save and then press Enter.
• Type qsave and then press Enter.

When you save a drawing the first time, the program displays the Save Drawing As
dialog box so that you can choose a directory and type a name for the drawing. You
can use any name when you first save the drawing.
86 CHAPTER 3

A
E

B
C
D

A Displays a description of the file size, creation C Turns the drawing preview on or off.
date, and other information about the drawing. D Saves the drawing with a password.
B Unavailable when saving drawings; available E Displays an image of the drawing before you
only when opening drawings. save it.

Saving a drawing with a new name or file format

You can save a drawing with a new name and in any of the following file formats:
• Standard drawing files with a .dwg extension. You can choose a .dwg file format
that is compatible with various versions of AutoCAD.
• Drawing Exchange Format files with a .dxf file extension. You can choose a .dxf
file format that is compatible with various versions of AutoCAD.
• Drawing templates with a .dwt file extension. Drawing templates allow you to eas-
ily create new drawings that reuse your drawing settings and entities.

To save a drawing with a new name or file format

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose File > Save As.
• Type saveas and then press Enter.
2 In the Save Drawing As dialog box, under Save As Type, choose the file format.
3 Specify the name of the file you want to create.
4 Click Save.
 WORKING WITH DRAWINGS 87

Drawings can also be saved by exporting to various file formats.

For more details, see “Exporting drawings” on page 511.

Saving a drawing with a password

Sometimes drawings may contain confidential information and you want to control
who has access to that information. If you need an added level of security, you can
save a drawing with a password so only you and those who know the password can
open the drawing.
To save a drawing with a password, you must save it as a .dwg file for AutoCADver-
sion 2004 or newer.

Record passwords or use familiar words.

If you forget a drawing’s password, the drawing cannot be opened or recovered. You
may want to store all passwords in a safe place.

To save a drawing with a password

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose File > Save As.
• Type saveas and then press Enter.
2 In the Save Drawing As dialog box, under Save As Type, choose a .dwg file for
AutoCADversion 2004 or newer.
3 Click Password Protect.
4 Choose a folder where you want to save the drawing.
5 In File Name, specify the name of the file you want to create.
6 Click Save.
7 In the Password dialog box, enter a password.
8 If desired, record and store the password in a safe place. If you forget the draw-
ing’s password, the drawing cannot be opened or recovered.
9 Click OK.
88 CHAPTER 3
 4

Creating simple entities

Simple entities include lines (both finite and infinite), circles, arcs, ellipses, elliptical
arcs, points, and rays. In addition, IntelliCAD includes a freehand sketch tool that can
be used to create simple entities.
This section explains several methods for creating simple entities, including how to:
• Use menu commands on the Draw menu.
• Use the tools on the Draw 2D toolbar.
• Type commands in the command bar.
In some cases, there are a number of different ways to create an entity. For the most
part, one or two are given in this guide. Refer to the Command Reference in the
online Help to learn how to create entities using other methods.
When you use a tool or a drawing command, the program prompts you to enter coor-
dinate points, such as endpoints or insertion points. You can enter the points or dis-
tances either using a mouse or by typing coordinate values in the command bar. As
you draw, IntelliCAD also displays a context-sensitive prompt box with appropriate
additional options for the type of entity you are drawing.
After you create entities, you can modify them using the entity modification tools.

Topics in this chapter

Drawing lines ...................................................................................................... 90
Drawing circles ................................................................................................... 91
Drawing arcs....................................................................................................... 93
Drawing ellipses.................................................................................................. 96
Drawing elliptical arcs ......................................................................................... 97
Drawing point entities ......................................................................................... 98
Drawing rays ..................................................................................................... 100
Drawing infinite lines......................................................................................... 101
Drawing freehand sketches .............................................................................. 103
90 CHAPTER 4

Drawing lines
A line consists of two points: a start point and an endpoint. You can connect a series
of lines, but each line segment is considered a separate line entity.

To draw a line
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Draw > Line.
• On the Draw 2D toolbar, click the Line tool ( ).
• Type line and then press Enter.
2 Specify the start point.
3 Specify the endpoint.
4 In the prompt box, choose Done to complete the command.

B
A

Start point (A) and endpoint (B).

The prompt box provides several options as you draw. For example, when you draw
the first line segment, you can specify its length or orientation angle. After you draw
at least one line segment, you can click Undo to remove the previous line segment.
You can click Done to end the line command. After you draw two or more line seg-
ments, you can click Close to complete the line command by drawing a line segment
that connects to the start point of the first line segment you drew.
If the last entity you drew was an arc, you can also draw a line tangent to and starting
from the endpoint of the arc.

To draw a line as a continuation from the end of an arc

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Draw > Line.
• On the Draw 2D toolbar, click the Line tool ( ).
• Type line and then press Enter.
2 In the prompt box, choose Follow.
3 Specify the length of the line.
 CREATING SIMPLE ENTITIES 91

Endpoint of previous arc (A) and length of the line (B).

Drawing circles
The default method for drawing a circle is to specify a center point and radius. You
can draw circles using any of the following methods:
• Center-Radius ( )
• Center-Diameter ( )
• 2-Points ( )
• 3-Points ( )
• Radius-Tangents ( )
• Convert Arc to Circle ( )

To draw a circle by specifying its center and radius

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Draw > Circle > Circle Center-Radius.
• On the Draw 2D toolbar, click the Circle Center-Radius tool ( ).
• Type circle and then press Enter.
2 Specify the center point.
3 Specify the radius of the circle.

B
A

Center point (A) and radius (B).

92 CHAPTER 4

To draw a circle tangent to existing entities

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Draw > Circle > Circle Radius-Tangents.
• On the Draw 2D toolbar, click the Circle Radius-Tangents tool ( ).
Go to step 3.
• Type circle and then press Enter.
2 In the prompt box, choose Radius-Tangent-Tangent.
3 Specify the radius of the circle.
4 Select the first entity to which to draw the circle tangent.
5 Select the second entity to which to draw the circle tangent.

C
A

Radius of circle (A) and tangent lines (B) and (C).

To convert an arc to a circle

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Draw > Circle > Convert Arc to Circle.
• On the Draw 2D toolbar, click the Convert Arc to Circle tool. ( ).
Go to step 3.
• Type circle and then press Enter.
2 In the prompt box, choose Turn Arc Into Circle.
3 Select the arc you want to convert to a circle.

Select an arc (A) to convert to a circle.

 CREATING SIMPLE ENTITIES 93

Drawing arcs
An arc is a portion of a circle. The default method for drawing an arc is to specify
three points—the start point, a second point, and the endpoint. You can draw arcs
using any of the following methods:
• Three points on an arc ( ).
• Start point-center-endpoint ( ), or Start point-endpoint-center ( ), or Center-
start point-endpoint ( ).
• Start point-center-included angle ( ), or Start point-included angle-center
( ), or Center-start point-included angle ( ).
• Start point-center-chord length ( ), or Center-start point-chord length ( ).
• Start point-endpoint-radius ( ), or Start point-radius-endpoint ( ).
• Start point-endpoint-included angle ( ), or Start point-included angle-endpoint
( ).
• Start point-endpoint-starting direction ( ), or Start point-starting direction-end-
point ( ).
• Start point-radius-angle ( ).
• As a tangent continuation of the previous arc or line ( ).

To draw an arc by specifying three points

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Draw > Arc > 3-Point Arc.
• On the Draw 2D toolbar, click the 3-Point Arc tool ( ).
• Type arc and then press Enter.
2 Specify the start point.
3 Specify a second point.
4 Specify the endpoint.

C
B

Start point (A), second point (B), and endpoint (C).

94 CHAPTER 4

The prompt box provides additional options for drawing arcs. For example, after you
specify the start point of an arc, you can choose Angle, Center, Direction, Endpoint,
or Radius. You can select the options in a different order as well. For instance, you
can draw an arc by specifying its start point, endpoint, and radius, or you can specify
the start point, radius, and then endpoint.

To draw an arc by specifying its start point, center point, and endpoint
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Draw > Arc > Arc Start-Center-End.
• On the Draw 2D toolbar, click the Arc Start-Center-End tool ( ).
• Type arc and then press Enter.
2 Specify the start point.
3 In the prompt box, choose Center.
4 Specify the center point.
5 Specify the endpoint.

C
A

Start point (A), center point (B), and endpoint (C).

To draw an arc by specifying two points and an included angle

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Draw > Arc > Arc Start-End-Angle.
• On the Draw 2D toolbar, click the Arc Start-End-Angle tool ( ).
• Type arc and then press Enter.
2 Specify the start point.
3 In the prompt box, choose Angle or type angle.
4 To draw an arc in a counterclockwise direction, enter a positive value for the
included angle.
To draw an arc in a clockwise direction, enter a negative value for the included
angle.
5 Specify the endpoint.
 CREATING SIMPLE ENTITIES 95

C
B
A

Start point (A), endpoint (B), and included angle (C).

If the last entity you drew was an arc or a line, you can also draw an arc tangent to and
starting from the endpoint of the arc or line.

To draw an arc tangent to an arc or line

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Draw > Arc > Tangent Arc.
• On the Draw 2D toolbar, click the Tangent Arc tool ( ). Go to step 3.
• Type arc and then press Enter.
2 In the prompt box, choose Follow.
3 Specify the endpoint.

Endpoint (A).

Arcs can be converted to circles

On the Draw 2D toolbar, click the Convert Arc To Circle flyout tool ( ).
96 CHAPTER 4

Drawing ellipses
The default method for drawing an ellipse is to specify the endpoints of one axis of
the ellipse, and then specify a distance representing half the length of the second axis.
The endpoints of the first axis determine the orientation of the ellipse. The longer axis
of the ellipse is called the major axis, and the shorter one is the minor axis. The order
in which you define the axes does not matter. The program determines the major and
minor axes based on their relative lengths. You can draw ellipses using any of the fol-
lowing methods:
• Axis-Axis ( )
• Axis-Rotation ( )
• Center-Axes ( )
• Center-Rotation ( )

To draw an ellipse by specifying the axis endpoints

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Draw > Ellipse > Ellipse Axis-Axis.
• On the Draw 2D toolbar, click the Ellipse Axis-Axis tool ( ).
• Type ellipse and then press Enter.
2 Specify the first endpoint.
3 Specify the second endpoint.
4 Specify the half-length of the other axis.

A B
C

First axis endpoint (A), second axis endpoint (B), and half-length of other axis (C).
 CREATING SIMPLE ENTITIES 97

Drawing elliptical arcs

An elliptical arc is a portion of an ellipse. The default method for drawing an ellipti-
cal arc is to specify the endpoints of one axis of the ellipse, and then specify a dis-
tance representing half the length of the second axis. Then you specify the start and
end angles for the arc, measured from the center of the ellipse in relation to its major
axis. You can draw elliptical arcs using any of the following methods:
• Axis-Axis ( )
• Axis-Rotation ( )
• Center-Axes ( )
• Center-Rotation ( )

To draw an elliptical arc by specifying the axis endpoints

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Draw > Elliptical Arc > Elliptical Arc Axis-Axis.
• On the Draw 2D toolbar, click the Elliptical Arc Axis-Axis tool ( ).
• Type ellipse and then press Enter, and then type a (for Arc) and press Enter.
2 Specify the first endpoint.
3 Specify the second endpoint.
4 Specify the half-length of the other axis.
5 Specify the start angle of the arc.
6 Specify the end angle.

IntelliCAD draws elliptical arcs in the direction you specify.

Go to Tools > Drawing Settings > Drawing Units tab. Under Change Settings For,
select Angular Units. The default setting is counterclockwise.

D
A E
C

B
First axis endpoint (A), second axis endpoint (B), half-length of other axis (C), start angle of arc (D), and
end angle (E).
98 CHAPTER 4

Drawing point entities

A point entity is a single x,y,z-coordinate location formatted as either a single dot or
as one of 19 other possible display styles.

Drawing points
You can draw points one at a time or several at a time.

To draw a point
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Draw > Point.
• On the Draw 2D toolbar, click the Point tool ( ).
• Type point and then press Enter.
2 Specify the location of the point.

To draw several points

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Draw > Point.
• On the Draw 2D toolbar, click the Point tool ( ).
• Type point and then press Enter.
2 In the prompt box, choose Multiple Points.
3 Specify the location of each point.
4 In the prompt box, choose Done to complete the command.

Changing the size and appearance of point entities

Changing the size and appearance of point entities affects all point entities already in
the drawing, as well as all points that you subsequently draw. Positive values repre-
sent the absolute size of the point entity measured in drawing units. Negative values
represent a percentage relative to the drawing screen, so that points retain their visual
size as you use the Zoom command to change the magnification of the drawing.

To change the size and appearance of point entities

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Format > Point Style.
• Type ddptype and then press Enter.
2 Under Point Display Type, select the style you want.
3 Under Point Size, select the point size, or choose one of the options.
4 Click OK.
 CREATING SIMPLE ENTITIES 99

When you regenerate the drawing, all point entities change to reflect the new size and
appearance settings.

A To increase or decrease the point size, type or C Select the button for the Point Display Type that
select a value. you want.
B To use one of the preset point size options, click
the one that you want.
100 CHAPTER 4

Drawing rays
A ray is a line in three-dimensional space that starts at a point and extends to infinity.
Because rays extend to infinity, they are not calculated as part of the drawing extents.
The default method for drawing a ray is to select the start point of the ray and then
specify its direction. You can draw a ray in any of the following ways:
• Horizontal draws the ray parallel to the x-axis of the current user coordinate sys-
tem (UCS).
• Vertical draws the ray parallel to the y-axis of the current UCS.
• Angle draws the ray parallel to a specified angle.
• Bisect draws the ray perpendicular to an existing entity.
• Parallel draws the ray parallel to an existing entity.

To draw a ray
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Draw > Ray.
• On the Draw 2D toolbar, click the Ray tool ( ).
• Type ray and then press Enter.
2 Specify the start point.
3 Specify the direction.
4 To complete the command, press Enter.

A B

Start point (A) and direction (B).

 CREATING SIMPLE ENTITIES 101

Drawing infinite lines

Infinite lines are sometimes referred to as construction lines. An infinite line is a line
through a given point, oriented at a specified angle in three-dimensional space and
extending to infinity in both directions. Because infinite lines extend to infinity, they
are not calculated as part of the drawing extents.
The default method for drawing an infinite line is to select a point along the line and
then specify the direction of the line. You can draw an infinite line in any of the fol-
lowing ways:
• Horizontal draws the infinite line parallel to the x-axis of the current UCS.
• Vertical draws the infinite line parallel to the y-axis of the current UCS.
• Angle draws the infinite line parallel to a specified angle.
• Bisect draws the infinite line perpendicular to an existing entity.
• Parallel draws the infinite line parallel to an existing entity.

To draw an infinite line

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Draw > Infinite Line.
• On the Draw 2D toolbar, click the Infinite Line tool ( ).
• Type infline and then press Enter.
2 Specify a point along the line.
3 Specify the direction.
4 To complete the command, press Enter.
.

A
B

Point along the infinite line (A) and the direction (B).

You can also draw infinite lines at a specific angle or at an angle relative to an exist-
ing entity.
102 CHAPTER 4

To draw an infinite line at a specified angle relative to another entity

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Draw > Infinite Line.
• On the Draw 2D toolbar, click the Infinite Line tool ( ).
• Type infline and then press Enter.
2 In the prompt box, choose Angle.
3 In the prompt box, choose Reference.
4 Select the reference entity.
5 Specify the angle of the infinite line in relation to the selected entity.
6 Specify the location of the infinite line.
7 To complete the command, press Enter.

A B

Reference entity (A) and angle in relation to entity (B).

 CREATING SIMPLE ENTITIES 103

Drawing freehand sketches

A freehand sketch consists of many straight line segments, created either as individ-
ual line entities or as a polyline.

Creating freehand sketches

Before you begin creating a freehand sketch, you must set the length, or increment, of
each segment. The smaller the segments, the more accurate your sketch, but segments
that are too small can greatly increase the file size
After you specify the length of the sketch segments, the crosshairs change to a Pencil
tool. Your freehand sketch is not added to the drawing until you “write” the sketch
into your drawing. This means that you temporarily save the segment that you’ve
drawn and the segment length, and you can continue sketching.

To create a freehand sketch

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Draw > Freehand.
• On the Draw 2D toolbar, click the Freehand tool ( ).
• Type freehand and then press Enter.
2 Specify the length of the sketch segments.
3 Click the mouse button to place the Pencil tool ( ) on the drawing to begin
sketching.
4 Move the pencil image to draw a temporary freehand sketch.
5 Click the mouse button to lift the pencil up to stop sketching.
6 In the prompt box, choose Write, Then Resume to write the temporary freehand
sketch into the drawing.
7 Click the mouse button to put the pencil down again and resume sketching.
8 Click the mouse button again to lift the pencil up to stop sketching.
9 In the prompt box, choose Done to write the temporary freehand sketch into the
drawing and end the command.

A freehand sketch consists of individual line entities or a polyline.

104 CHAPTER 4

Erasing freehand sketch lines

You can erase temporary freehand sketch lines that have not yet been written into the
drawing by choosing the Delete On option in the prompt box. The pencil changes to
an Eraser tool. You can erase portions of the line when you move the eraser over a
temporary freehand line without clicking the mouse button.

To erase freehand sketch lines

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Draw > Freehand.
• On the Draw 2D toolbar, click the Freehand tool ( ).
• Type freehand and then press Enter.
2 Specify the length of the sketch segments.
3 Select a point on the drawing to display the Pencil tool and begin sketching.
4 Click the mouse button to lift the pencil up to stop sketching.
5 In the prompt box, choose Delete On.
6 Move the Eraser tool ( ) to the beginning or end of the freehand sketch line that
you drew, and then move it as far along the line as you want to erase.
7 Click the mouse button to put the Pencil tool down to resume sketching.

Setting the sketch method and accuracy

Using polylines for freehand sketches makes it easier to go back and edit sketches.
You control whether to create freehand sketches using line segments or polylines in
the Drawing Settings dialog box. You can also control the length of sketch segments
in this dialog box.
 CREATING SIMPLE ENTITIES 105

To specify lines or polylines when sketching

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Drawing Settings.
• On the Tools toolbar, click the Drawing Settings tool ( ).
• Type settings and then press Enter.
2 Choose the Entity Creation tab.
3 Under Change Settings For, click Freehand Sketches.
4 Under Freehand Sketching Methods, click either Freehand Command Creates
Lines or Freehand Command Creates A Polyline.
5 Click OK.

A Select the sketch method. B Specify the default length of sketch segments.
106 CHAPTER 4
 5

Creating complex entities

Complex entities include polylines (including rectangles, squares, and polygons),

spline curves, donuts, and planes. In addition, IntelliCAD includes tools for adding
hatching to your drawings.
This section explains several methods for creating complex entities, including how
to:
• Use menu commands on the Draw menu.
• Use the tools on the Draw 2D toolbar.
• Type commands in the command bar.
In some cases, there are a number of different ways to create an entity. For the most
part, one or two are given in this guide. Refer to the Command Reference in the
online Help to learn how to create entities using other methods.
When you type a drawing command or select a tool, the program prompts you to
enter coordinate points, such as endpoints or insertion points. As you draw, the pro-
gram displays a context-sensitive prompt box with appropriate additional options for
the type of entity you are drawing.
After you create complex entities, you can modify them using the entity-modification
tools. Several of these entity types require special editing commands.

Topics in this chapter

Drawing rectangles and squares ...................................................................... 108
Drawing polygons ............................................................................................. 110
Drawing polylines.............................................................................................. 112
Drawing multilines............................................................................................. 115
Drawing traces .................................................................................................. 117
Drawing splines ................................................................................................ 118
Drawing donuts ................................................................................................. 121
Creating planes................................................................................................. 123
Drawing wipeouts ............................................................................................. 125
Creating boundary polylines ............................................................................. 127
Adding hatching ................................................................................................ 130
108 CHAPTER 5

Drawing rectangles and squares

Rectangles are closed polylines with four sides and a square is a rectangle with four
equal sides.
You draw a rectangle by specifying its opposite corners. The rectangle is normally
aligned parallel to the current snap and grid alignment, but you can use the Rotated
option to align the rectangle to any angle.
You draw a square using the Square option of the Rectangle command. The square is
normally aligned parallel to the current snap and grid alignment, but you can use the
Rotated option to align the square to any angle.

To draw a rectangle
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Draw > Rectangle.
• On the Draw 2D toolbar, click the Rectangle tool ( ).
• Type rectangle and then press Enter.
2 Specify one corner of the rectangle.
3 Specify the opposite corner of the rectangle.

B
A

Opposite corners (A and B) and resulting rectangle.

You can edit each side of a rectangle individually using the Edit Polyline tool ( )
on the Modify toolbar. You can convert the sides into individual line entities using
the Explode tool ( ) on the Modify toolbar. You can control whether wide rectan-
gle lines are shown filled or as outlines using the Fill tool ( ) on the Settings tool-
bar.
You can also use the Rectangle tool to draw a square. Instead of specifying the oppo-
site corners, you specify the length of one side and the alignment of the square.
 CREATING COMPLEX ENTITIES 109

To draw a square
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Draw > Rectangle.
• On the Draw 2D toolbar, click the Rectangle tool ( ).
• Type rectangle and then press Enter.
2 In the prompt box, choose Square.
3 Specify one corner of the square.
4 Specify the length of one side of the square by selecting its other end.
The point you specify determines both the size and alignment of the square.

Endpoints of one side of the square (A and B) and resulting square.

You can control the line width of rectangles.

Choose the Width Of Line option in the prompt box. After you change the width of the
line, the new width setting remains in effect for subsequent rectangles until you
change it again.
110 CHAPTER 5

Drawing polygons
Polygons are closed polylines composed of a minimum of three and a maximum of
1,024 equal-length sides. The default method for drawing a polygon is to specify the
center of the polygon and the distance from the center to each vertex. You can draw a
polygon using any of the following methods:
• Center-Vertex ( )
• Center-Side ( )
• Edge ( )

Drawing polygons by vertex

You can create an equal-sided polygon defined by its center point and the distance to
its vertices. First specify the number of sides, then the center point, and then the loca-
tion of one vertex, which determines both the size and orientation of the polygon.

To draw a polygon by vertex

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Draw > Polygon > Polygon Center-Vertex.
• On the Draw 2D toolbar, click the Polygon Center-Vertex tool ( ).
• Type polygon and then press Enter.
2 Type 5 to specify five sides for the polygon.
3 Specify the center of the polygon.
4 Specify the vertex of the polygon.

B
A

The center (A) and vertex (B) and resulting polygon.

 CREATING COMPLEX ENTITIES 111

Drawing polygons by side

You can create a polygon with equal-length sides defined by its center point and the
distance to the midpoint of a side. First specify the number of sides, then the center
point, and then the location of the midpoint of one side, which determines both the
size and orientation of the polygon.

To draw a polygon by side

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Draw > Polygon > Polygon Center-Side.
• On the Draw 2D toolbar, click the Polygon Center-Side tool ( ).
• Type polygon and then press Enter.
2 Type 3 to specify three sides for the polygon.
3 Specify the center of the polygon.
4 Specify the midpoint of the side.

B
A

The center (A) and midpoint of one side (B) and resulting polygon.

Drawing polygons by specifying the length of an edge

You can create a polygon with equal-length sides defined by the length of one of the
polygon edges. First specify the number of sides, then the edge start point, and then
the edge end point, which determines both the size and orientation of the polygon.

To draw a polygon by specifying the length of an edge

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Draw > Polygon > Polygon Edge.
• On the Draw 2D toolbar, click the Polygon Edge tool ( ).
• Type polygon and then press Enter.
2 Type 5 to specify three sides for the polygon.
3 Specify the first point of an edge on the polygon.
4 Specify the second point of the edge on the polygon.
112 CHAPTER 5

Start point of side (A) and end point of side (B) and resulting polygon.
You can edit each side of a polygon individually using the Edit Polyline tool ( ) on
the Modify toolbar. You can convert the sides into individual line entities using the
Explode tool ( ) on the Modify toolbar. You can control whether wide polygon
lines are shown filled or as outlines using the Fill tool ( ) on the Settings toolbar.

Drawing polylines
A polyline is a connected sequence of arcs and lines that is treated as a single entity.
You can draw a polyline with any linetype and using a width that either remains con-
stant or tapers over the length of any segment. When editing a polyline, you can mod-
ify the entire polyline or change individual segments.

Curved polyline with tapered width, polyline with straight segments, and closed polyline.

You can edit entire polylines and individual segments using the Edit Polyline tool
( ) on the Modify toolbar. You can convert polylines into arc and line entities
using the Explode tool ( ) on the Modify toolbar. You can control whether wide
polylines are shown filled or as outlines using the Fill tool ( ) on the Settings
toolbar.

Drawing a polyline with straight segments

After you specify the start point of a polyline, a prompt box provides several options
as you draw, such as Distance, Halfwidth, and Width. You can specify different start-
ing and ending widths to create a tapered polyline segment.
After you draw at least one polyline segment, you can use the Undo tool ( ) to
remove the previous segment. After you draw two or more polyline segments, you
can use the Close option to complete the command by drawing a segment that ends at
the start point of the first polyline segment you drew. Choose Done to complete the
command without closing the polyline.
 CREATING COMPLEX ENTITIES 113

To draw a polyline with straight segments

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Draw > Polyline.
• On the Draw 2D toolbar, click the Polyline tool ( ).
• Type polyline and then press Enter.
2 Specify the start point.
3 Specify the endpoint of each segment.
4 To complete the command, choose Close or Done.

B
B
A
B
B

Polyline start point (A) and segment endpoints (B).

Drawing a polyline with arc segments

With the Draw Arcs option, you can continually draw arc segments until you select
the Draw Lines option to go back to drawing line segments. When you draw arc seg-
ments, the first point of the arc is the endpoint of the previous segment. By default,
you draw arc segments by specifying the endpoint of each segment. Each successive
arc segment is drawn tangent to the previous arc or line segment. If you choose Close
while in the Draw Arcs option, the closing segment is created as an arc.
114 CHAPTER 5

You can also specify the arc using any of the following methods:
• Start point, included angle, center point
• Start point, included angle, radius
• Start point, center point, endpoint
• Start point, included angle, endpoint
• Start point, center point, included angle
• Start point, center point, chord length
• Start point, direction, endpoint
• Start point, radius, included angle
• Start point, second point, endpoint

To draw a line segment followed by an arc polyline segment

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Draw > Polyline.
• On the Draw 2D toolbar, click the Polyline tool ( ).
• Type polyline and then press Enter.
2 Specify the start point.
3 Specify the endpoint.
4 In the prompt box, choose Draw Arcs.
5 Specify the endpoint of the arc segment.
6 To complete the command, choose Done.

C
A
B

Polyline start point (A), line endpoint/arc start point (B), and arc endpoint (C).
 CREATING COMPLEX ENTITIES 115

Drawing multilines
A multiline is made from multiple parallel lines (two lines by default), which consist
of linear segments connected together. The end of the current segment is the start of
the next segment. Ends of segments are the vertices of the multiline.

Drawing a multiline
To draw a multiline
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Draw > Multiline.
• On the Draw 2D toolbar, click the Multiline tool ( ).
• Type mline and then press Enter.
2 Specify the start point.
3 Specify additional vertices.
4 After specifying the last endpoint, choose Done or press Enter.

B C
B B

A
Multiline startpoint (A), vertices (B), and endpoint (C).

Specifying justification and scale

When you draw a multiline, you specify the vertices of one of the lines that makes up
the multiline — the additional parallel lines are drawn in position according to the
justification. Vertices can be specified on the top, middle, or bottom of a multiline,
according to the selected justification.
You can also determine the overall width of the multiline, which affects the distance
between parallel lines, by adjusting the multiline scale.

NOTE If you change the multiline scale, you might need to make equivalent changes to
the linetype scale to prevent dots or dashes from being disproportionately sized.
116 CHAPTER 5

To draw a multiline with different justification or scale

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Draw > Multiline.
• On the Draw 2D toolbar, click the Multiline tool ( ).
• Type mline and then press Enter.
2 Select justification and choose one of the following options:
• Top Specified vertices define the top line; additional parallel lines are drawn
below the specified vertices.
• Zero Specified vertices define the middle of the multiline.
• Bottom Specified vertices define the bottom line; additional parallel lines are
drawn above the specified vertices.
3 Select Scale and enter a new scale value according to the following:
• Greater than 1 — Multilines are wider.
• Less than 1 — Multilines are narrower.
• Equal to 1 — Multilines collapse into a single line.
• Negative value — Flips the justification when multilines are drawn and alters
the scale according to the set value.
4 Specify the start point of the multiline.
5 Specify additional vertices.
6 After specifying the endpoint, choose Done or press Enter.
 CREATING COMPLEX ENTITIES 117

Drawing traces
With the Trace command, you can draw a two-dimensional solid line of specified
width. The Trace command is not commonly used — most users use the Polyline
command instead.

To draw a trace
1 Type trace and then press Enter.
2 Specify the width of the trace.
3 Specify the start point.
4 Specify additional vertices.
5 After specifying the last endpoint, choose Done or press Enter.

B C
B B

A
Trace startpoint (A), vertices (B), and endpoint (C).
118 CHAPTER 5

Drawing splines
A spline is a smooth curve defined by a set of points. You can use splines to create
sculptured shapes such as the cross section of a turbine blade or an airplane wing.

To draw a spline
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Draw > Spline.
• On the Draw 2D toolbar, click the Spline tool ( ).
• Type spline and then press Enter.
2 Specify the first point of the spline.
3 Specify the second point of the spline.
4 Specify as many more points as you want.
5 When you have finished, press Enter.

You can add tangents to the spline, which are lines that give it shape.

To add tangents to a spline

1 Specify the starting tangent point.
2 Specify the ending tangent point.

A B

Initial spline and resulting spline with starting tangent point (A) and ending tangent point (B)..
 CREATING COMPLEX ENTITIES 119

Specifying fit tolerance

By default, a spline passes through all of the control points. When you draw a spline,
you can change this by specifying the fit tolerance. The fit tolerance value determines
how closely the spline fits the set of points you specify. For example, a spline fit tol-
erance value of 0 causes the spline to pass through the control points. A value of 0.01
creates a spline that passes through the start and endpoints and within 0.01 units of
the intermediate control points.

To specify the fit tolerance

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Draw > Spline.
• On the Draw 2D toolbar, click the Spline tool ( ).
• Type spline and then press Enter.
2 Specify the first point of the spline.
3 Specify the second point of the spline.
4 In the prompt box, choose Fit Tolerance.
5 To accept the default of 0.0000, press Enter.
To specify a different fit tolerance, type the number, and then press Enter.
6 Specify the additional points you need to draw a spline or a closed spline.
120 CHAPTER 5

Drawing a closed spline

You can draw a closed spline, which is a spline for which the start point and endpoint
are the same. Because the spline is closed, you specify only one tangent.

To draw a closed spline

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Draw > Spline.
• On the Draw 2D toolbar, click the Spline tool ( ).
• Type spline and then press Enter.
2 Specify the first point of the spline.
3 Specify the second point of the spline.
4 Specify as many more points as you want.
5 When you have finished, in the prompt box, choose Close.
6 To complete the command, specify the tangent point.

The start point and endpoint (A) of a closed spline.

 CREATING COMPLEX ENTITIES 121

Drawing donuts
Donuts are solid, filled circles or rings created as closed, wide polylines. You can
draw a donut using one of several methods. The default method is to specify the
inside and outside diameters of the donut, and then specify its center. You can then
create multiple copies of the same donut by specifying different center points until
you press Enter to complete the command.

To draw a donut
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Draw > Donut.
• On the Draw 2D toolbar, click the Donut tool ( ).
• Type donut and then press Enter.
2 Specify the inside diameter of the donut.
3 Specify the outside diameter of the donut.
4 Specify the center of the donut.
5 Specify the center point to draw another donut, or choose Done to complete the
command.

Inside diameter (A) and outside diameter (B).

The prompt box provides additional options for drawing donuts. For example, you
can specify the width of the donut and two points on the diameter of the donut, or you
can specify the width and three points on the donut. You can also draw a donut tan-
gent to existing entities.

A donut can be a completely filled circle.

Donuts are completely filled if the inside diameter is zero.
122 CHAPTER 5

To draw a donut tangent to existing entities

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Draw > Donut.
• On the Draw 2D toolbar, click the Donut tool ( ).
• Type donut and then press Enter.
2 In the prompt box, choose Radius Tangent Tangent.
3 Specify the width of the donut.
4 Specify the diameter of the donut.
5 Select the first tangent entity to which to draw the donut.
6 Select the second tangent entity to which to draw the donut.

Width (A) and diameter (B) of the donut and tangent entities (C).
You can edit donuts using the Edit Polyline tool ( ) on the Modify toolbar. You
can convert donuts into arc entities using the Explode tool ( ) on the Modify
toolbar. You can control whether donuts are shown filled or as outlines using the Fill
tool ( ) on the Settings toolbar.

You can control the default outside and inside diameter of donuts.
Choose Tools > Drawing Settings, click the Entity Creation tab, and choose the
options you want.
 CREATING COMPLEX ENTITIES 123

Creating planes
With the Plane tool, you can draw rectangular, triangular, or quadrilateral areas filled
with a solid color. The default method is to specify the corners of the plane. After you
specify the first two corners, the plane is displayed as you specify the remaining cor-
ners. Specify corner points in a triangular manner. The program prompts you for the
third point and then the fourth point. If you continue specifying points, the third- and
fourth-point prompts toggle until you press Enter to complete the command.
Creating planes in IntelliCAD is similar to the Solid command in AutoCAD.

To draw a quadrilateral plane

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Draw > Plane.
• On the Draw 2D toolbar, click the Plane tool ( ).
• Type plane and then press Enter.
2 Specify the first point.
3 Specify the second point.
4 Specify the third point.
5 Specify the fourth point.
6 To complete the command, press Enter.

B B
D C
A C A D

After you select the first two points (A) and (B), the sequence in which you select the third (C)
and fourth (D) points determines the shape of the resulting quadrilateral plane.
The prompt box provides additional options for drawing planes. For example, you
can draw rectangular, square, or triangular planes.
124 CHAPTER 5

To draw a rectangular plane

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Draw > Plane.
• On the Draw 2D toolbar, click the Plane tool ( ).
• Type plane and then press Enter.
2 Choose Rectangle.
3 Specify the first point.
4 Specify the opposite corner.
5 Specify the rotation angle.
6 To complete the command, specify the opposite corner to draw another rectangle,
or press Enter.

A C B

Opposite corners (A and B) and rotation angle (C) and resulting plane.
You can control whether planes are shown filled or as outlines using the Fill tool
( ) on the Settings toolbar. You can convert planes into individual line entities cor-
responding to the outline of the plane using the Explode tool ( ) on the Modify
toolbar.
 CREATING COMPLEX ENTITIES 125

Drawing wipeouts
Wipeouts are unique entities that can help you hide areas of your drawing. They dis-
play with the current background color, so the details behind the wipeout do not dis-
play or print.
Wipeouts are similar to other entities — you can copy, mirror, array, erase, rotate,
and scale them, and they can be used in both model space and paper space.
If you want to print the wipeout entities located in a drawing, you must print to a ras-
ter-capable printer. Note that in some cases you may have unexpected results when
printing drawings that contain wipeout entities, for example, if printing on colored
paper.
Wipeouts are created using existing polygons, closed zero-width polylines made up
of only line segments, or new polylines that you draw while using the Wipeout com-
mand.

The display of wipeouts varies depending on your version of IntelliCAD.

If your IntelliCAD version does not include raster image capability, wipeout entities
display, but the details behind the wipeouts also display.

Drawing a wipeout
To draw a wipeout
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Draw > Wipeout.
• On the Draw 2D toolbar, click the Wipeout tool ( ).
• Type wipeout and then press Enter.
2 Specify the start point.
3 Specify the endpoint of each segment.
4 After specifying the last endpoint, choose Done or press Enter.

Existing drawing. Drawing with wipeout.

126 CHAPTER 5

Creating a wipeout using existing polygons and polylines

To create a wipeout using an existing polygon or polyline
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Draw > Wipeout.
• On the Draw 2D toolbar, click the Wipeout tool ( ).
• Type wipeout and then press Enter.
2 Choose Polyline.
3 Select the closed polyline to use for the wipeout.
4 Choose one of the following:
• Yes — Creates the wipeout and deletes the polyline used to create the wipeout.
• No — Creates the wipeout and keeps the polyline used to create the wipeout.

Turning wipeout frames on or off

Each wipeout has a frame along its boundary. Wipeout frames can be turned on or off
for any drawing. When wipeout frames are on, you can select and modify wipeouts.
You may want to turn off wipeout frames when it’s time to print.

To turn wipeout frames on or off

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Draw > Wipeout.
• On the Draw 2D toolbar, click the Wipeout tool ( ).
• Type wipeout and then press Enter.
2 Choose Frames.
3 Choose On or Off.

Wipeout frames turned on. Wipeout frames turned off.

 CREATING COMPLEX ENTITIES 127

Creating boundary polylines

A bounded polyline is an area bound by a single closed entity or by multiple entities
that intersect and is used for hatching or dimensioning.

Understanding boundary polylines

With the Boundary command, you can designate a specific area of a drawing for
operations such as hatching and dimensioning. You create a boundary polyline by
selecting an area inside a closed loop. The area you select can be bounded by a single
closed entity or by multiple entities that intersect.
In cases where entities intersect, IntelliCAD interprets the boundary as the closed
loop closest to the point specifying the area. In the following figure, for example, the
area point selected in the rectangle results in a boundary consisting of the closed loop
nearest the point selection, as opposed to the closed loop formed by the rectangle
itself.

Selected point (A) and resulting boundary (B).

To make boundaries more specific, you can create a boundary set. A boundary set
specifies which entities are considered in determining the boundary path. This can
make creating the boundary polyline faster if you are working with a complex draw-
ing.
In the following figure, the circle and triangle are the selected entities. If you select an
area anywhere inside the circle or the triangle, the result is a polyline that bounds the
shaded area.

B
C

Selected entities (A and B) and the point specified in the selected area (C), which results in a
new boundary around the shaded area.
128 CHAPTER 5

Using islands and island detection

Islands are closed loops that reside inside other closed loops. IntelliCAD provides
island-detection options so that you can specify which islands, if any, should be con-
sidered in the area selection for a boundary.
The following figure shows a rectangular polyline with two islands. The circle is
referred to as the outer island, and the octagon is referred to as a nested island.

A D

Rectangular polyline (A) with outer island (B), with point (C) specifying the area selection, and nested island
(D).

You can choose from three island-detection methods.

• Nested Islands The outer entity and all its islands are considered for the polyline.
• Outer Only Only the outer entity and its outer island are considered for the
polyline.
• Ignore Islands Only the outer entity is considered for the polyline.

A B C
Nested islands (A), with outer island (B), and with ignore islands (C).
 CREATING COMPLEX ENTITIES 129

Creating a boundary polyline

When you create a boundary polyline, you select an existing entity or multiple enti-
ties to define the boundary.

To draw a boundary polyline

Advanced experience level
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Draw > Boundary Polyline.
• On the Draw 2D toolbar, click the Boundary Polyline tool ( ).
• Type boundary and then press Enter.
2 Specify the entities that you want made available for the boundary polyline by
doing one of the following:
• All entities Select All Visible Entities to have all entities in the drawing
considered when creating the boundary polyline.
• Custom selection Define only specific areas to be considered when creating the
boundary polyline, which can improve system performance if you are working
with a complex drawing. Click Select Boundary Set. In the drawing, select the
entities individually or by choosing a selection method from the prompt box,
and then press Enter. The Current Selection Set option becomes selected
automatically, which indicates that the entities you selected with the Select
Boundary Set button will be considered when creating the boundary polyline.

You don’t have to select entities again using the Select Boundary Set button.
The Current Selection Set option uses the last set of entities you selected with the
Select Boundary Set button.

3 Choose an island-detection option.

4 Click Select Area.
5 In the drawing, click inside the area whose closed perimeter forms the boundary,
not on the polyline itself. If desired, continue clicking inside additional closed
perimeters.
6 To complete the selection, press Enter.
7 In the Boundary dialog box, click OK.
130 CHAPTER 5

E
A

B
C

A Opens the drawing area for selection of entities D Select an island-detection option.
to be considered when creating the boundary E Opens the drawing area for selection of the
polyline. enclosed areas used to create new boundary
B Choose to consider all visible entities when polylines.
creating the boundary polyline.
C Choose to use the entities you selected for the
boundary set. (Becomes available after you click
the Select Boundary Set button.)

Adding hatching
When you add hatching to a drawing, IntelliCAD fills entities or enclosed areas with
a pattern. You can choose a predefined hatch pattern, or you can create your own
hatch pattern.
First you specify the hatch pattern and other options, and then you choose which enti-
ties or enclosed areas that you want to hatch.

Hatch patterns are memory intensive.

Because hatch patterns can take a considerable amount of time to draw and display,
you may want to add hatching during the last steps of drawing creation or insert
hatches on a separate layer that you can freeze as you continue to work on your
drawing.
 CREATING COMPLEX ENTITIES 131

Specifying a hatch pattern

A hatch pattern consists of a repeating pattern of lines, dashes, and dots. You can
select a hatch pattern from a set of predefined patterns, or you can define a pattern of
your own. The hatch pattern you used most recently is the default pattern the next
time you add hatching.
The program supplies predefined standard hatch patterns, which are stored in the fol-
lowing hatch pattern library files:
• icad.pat — American National Standards Institute (ANSI)-compliant patterns.
• icadiso.pat — International Standards Organization (ISO)-compliant patterns.
You can use other external hatch pattern libraries, such as an office standard library,
customized patterns, and libraries available from vendors or standards organizations.

To specify a predefined hatch pattern

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Draw > Hatch.
• On the Draw 2D toolbar, click the Boundary Hatch tool ( ).
• Type bhatch and then press Enter.
2 From the Boundary Hatch dialog box, click the Pattern Properties tab.
3 In the Pattern Type list, click Predefined.
With Predefined, you can apply a scale factor to make the pattern larger or smaller
than the default size.
4 For Scale, enter the scale factor as a percentage of the default.
5 For Angle, enter the angle of the pattern in degrees (1-360).
The default angle is clockwise; you can change the angle of any hatch pattern by
entering a numerical value.
6 For ISO Pen Width, enter the pen width.
If you choose a predefined, ISO standard pattern, you can scale the pattern based
on the ISO pen width.
7 To copy the pattern properties from an existing hatch, choose Copy Hatch Proper-
ties and select the hatch.
8 To associate the hatch pattern to its boundary entities, under Hatch Attributes,
select the Associative check box. An associative hatch updates automatically if
you move any of its boundaries.
9 To continue, add a hatch by doing one of the following:
• Select the entities you want to add a hatch. For details, see “Selecting entities
for hatching” on page 135 in this chapter. Begin with step 2.
• Select an area or boundary you want to add a hatch. For details, see “Selecting
areas for hatching” on page 137 in this chapter. Begin with step 2.
132 CHAPTER 5

To specify a user-defined hatch pattern

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Draw > Hatch.
• On the Draw 2D toolbar, click the Boundary Hatch tool ( ).
• Type bhatch and then press Enter.
2 From the Boundary Hatch dialog box, click the Pattern Properties tab.
3 In the Pattern Type list, click User Defined.
4 For Spacing, enter the line spacing for the pattern.
5 To crosshatch the pattern, select the Cross-Hatched check box.
You can choose to crosshatch the pattern. Cross-hatching imposes a copy of the
specified user-defined pattern at a 90-degree angle over the first pattern you
defined.
6 To copy the pattern properties from an existing hatch, choose Copy Hatch Proper-
ties, and select a hatch pattern from a hatched entity in the drawing.
7 To associate the hatch pattern to its boundary entities, under Hatch Attributes,
select the Associative check box. An associative hatch updates automatically if
you move any of its boundaries.
8 To continue, add a hatch by doing one of the following:
• Select the entities you want to add a hatch. For details, see “Selecting entities
for hatching” on page 135 in this chapter. Begin with step 2.
• Select an area or boundary you want to add a hatch. For details, see “Selecting
areas for hatching” on page 137 in this chapter. Begin with step 2.
 CREATING COMPLEX ENTITIES 133

A J
B
C I

D
E H

F
G

A Determines how the hatch will be defined. G Closes dialog to allow selection and copying of
B Determines density of hatching for Predefined existing hatch pattern properties.
hatch patterns. H Select to display the pattern for selected entities
C Sets angle of hatch in relation to entity (User in the drawing while choosing options in the
Defined only). dialog box.
D Determines density of hatching for User Defined I Displays the tolerance that non-touching entities
hatch patterns. can be within and still be used to create the
hatch pattern boundary.
E Sets pen width for ISO-standard pattern.
J Select to update the hatch automatically if you
F Imposes another copy of the specified pattern at move any of its boundaries.
a 90-degree angle over the first.
134 CHAPTER 5

To use a predefined library pattern

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Draw > Hatch.
• On the Draw 2D toolbar, click the Boundary Hatch tool ( ).
• Type bhatch and then press Enter.
2 From the Boundary Hatch dialog box, click the Pattern tab.
3 For Hatch File, select the icad.pat or icadiso.pat hatch pattern library file.
4 To select a predefined pattern, do one of the following:
• In the Patterns list, click the pattern name.
• Click the graphical representation of the hatch pattern.
5 To continue, add a hatch by doing one of the following:
• Select the entities you want to add hatching. For details, see “Selecting entities
for hatching” on page 135 in this chapter. Begin with step 2.
• Select an area or boundary you want to add hatching. For details, see “Selecting
areas for hatching” on page 137 in this chapter. Begin with step 2.

A Hatch pattern library files. C Hatch patterns shown graphically.

B Hatch patterns listed by name.

Specifying a custom library pattern

You can use custom external hatch pattern libraries (.pat files), such as a standard
library used in your office, customized patterns, and libraries available from vendors
or standards organizations. The .pat file can be in any location.
 CREATING COMPLEX ENTITIES 135

To use a custom library pattern

1 Do one of the following:
• Copy the custom pattern file (.pat file) to the Patterns folder where you installed
IntelliCAD. To check where IntelliCAD searches for pattern files, choose Tools
> Options, click Paths/Files, and check the folders listed for Hatch Patterns.
• Choose Tools > Options, click Paths/Files, and add the location of the custom
pattern file (.pat file) to the folders listed for Hatch Patterns.
2 Do one of the following:
• Choose Draw > Hatch.
• On the Draw 2D toolbar, click the Boundary Hatch tool ( ).
• Type bhatch and then press Enter.
3 Click the Pattern Properties tab,
4 In Pattern Type, choose Custom. Custom is available only if a custom .pat file was
loaded successfully in Step 1.
5 Click the Pattern tab.
6 In Hatch File, select the custom .pat file.
7 In the Patterns list, click a pattern name. Note that graphical representations are
not available.
8 To continue, add a hatch by doing one of the following:
• Select the entities you want to add hatching. For details, see “Selecting entities
for hatching” on page 135 in this chapter. Begin with step 2.
• Select an area or boundary you want to add hatching. For details, see “Selecting
areas for hatching” on page 137 in this chapter. Begin with step 2.

Selecting entities for hatching

You can add hatching to any entity that forms a closed boundary, for example, a cir-
cle or rectangle. You can assign hatching to a single entity or several entities at the
same time.

Existing hatches can be modified.

Type HATCHEDIT to modify existing hatches.
136 CHAPTER 5

To select entities for hatching

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Draw > Hatch.
• On the Draw 2D toolbar, click the Boundary Hatch tool ( ).
• Type bhatch and then press Enter.
2 From the Boundary Hatch dialog box, click the Boundary tab.
3 Under Island Detection Options, choose one of the following:
• Nested Islands The outer entity and all its islands are considered for hatching.
• Outer Only Only the outer entity and its outer island are considered for hatching.
• Ignore Islands Only the outer entity is considered for hatching.

A B C
Nested islands (A), with outer island (B), and with ignore islands (C).

4 To keep any new entities that are created for drawing the boundary hatch, select
the Retain Boundaries check box. Existing entities are always retained.
5 Click Select Entities.
6 In the drawing, click the entities to be hatched individually or by choosing a selec-
tion method from the prompt box, and then press Enter when done.
7 In the Boundary Hatch dialog box, click OK.

Hatch patterns are memory intensive.

Because hatch patterns can take a considerable amount of time to draw and display,
you may want to add hatching during the last steps of drawing creation or insert
hatches on a separate layer that you can freeze as you continue to work on your
drawing.
 CREATING COMPLEX ENTITIES 137

B
C D

A Choose to consider all visible entities when C (Display only) Indicates the boundary is created
creating the boundary hatch. as a polyline.
B Mark the check box to keep any new entities that D Determines how hatching interacts with islands.
are created to draw the boundary hatch. Existing E Opens the drawing area for selection of entities
entities are always retained. to be hatched.

Selecting areas for hatching

You can add hatching to an area enclosed by selected entities to form the hatch
boundary. The hatch is formed in the enclosed area, not the entities themselves.
After IntelliCAD draws the hatch, the entire hatch is treated as a single entity and it is
is either associative or independent of the hatch boundary entities.

Existing hatches can be modified.

Type HATCHEDIT to modify existing hatches.

To select an area for hatching

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Draw > Hatch.
• On the Draw 2D toolbar, click the Boundary Hatch tool ( ).
• Type bhatch and then press Enter.
2 From the Boundary Hatch dialog box, click the Boundary tab.
3 Under Island Detection Options, choose one of the following:
• Nested Islands The outer entity and all its islands are considered for hatching.
• Outer Only Only the outer entity and its outer island are considered for hatching.
• Ignore Islands Only the outer entity is considered for hatching.
138 CHAPTER 5

A B C
Nested islands (A), with outer island (B), and with ignore islands (C).

4 To keep any new entities that are created for drawing the boundary hatch, select
the Retain Boundaries check box. Existing entities are always retained.
5 Specify the entities that you want made available for boundary hatching by doing
one of the following:
• All entities Select All Visible Entities to have all entities in the drawing
considered when creating the boundary hatch.
• Custom selection Define only specific areas to be considered when creating the
boundary hatch, which can improve system performance if you are working
with a complex drawing. Click Select Boundary Set. In the drawing, select the
entities individually or by choosing a selection method from the prompt box,
and then press Enter. The Current Selection Set option becomes selected
automatically, which indicates that the entities you selected with the Select
Boundary Set button will be considered when creating the boundary hatch.

You don’t have to select entities again using the Select Boundary Set button.
The Current Selection Set option uses the last set of entities you selected with the
Select Boundary Set button.

6 In the Boundary Hatch dialog box, click Select Area.

7 In the drawing, click inside the closed perimeter of a boundary, not on the bound-
ary itself. If desired, continue clicking inside additional closed perimeters.
8 To complete the selection, press Enter.
9 In the Boundary Hatch dialog box, click OK.

A warning message displays if the number of entities selected exceeds the

HPOBJWARNING system variable value.
If the warning displays, to improve performance before continuing with hatch cre-
ation, select fewer entities, or if Select All Visible Entities is chosen, zoom in to
have fewer entities visible in the drawing. Hatch patterns are memory intensive
and can take a considerable amount of time to draw.
 CREATING COMPLEX ENTITIES 139

G
A
B
C

D
E F

A Opens the drawing area for selection of entities
to be considered when creating the boundary
hatch.
B Choose to consider all visible entities when
creating the boundary hatch.
C Choose to use the entities you selected for the
boundary set. (Becomes available after you click
the Select Boundary Set button.)
D Mark the check box to keep any new entities that
are created to draw the boundary hatch. Existing
entities are always retained.
E (Display only) Indicates the boundary is created
as a polyline.
F Determines how hatching interacts with islands.
G Opens the drawing area for selection of enclosed
areas to be hatched.
140 CHAPTER 5
 6

Viewing your drawing

IntelliCAD provides many ways to display and view your drawing. You can also
change various display settings to speed up the display or printing of a drawing. This
section explains how to:
• Navigate within a drawing by scrolling, panning, and rotating the view.
• Change the magnification of a drawing by zooming in and out.
• Work with multiple windows or views of a drawing.
• Control the display of elements to optimize performance when working with large
or complex drawings.

Topics in this chapter

Redrawing and regenerating a drawing ............................................................ 142
Moving around within a drawing ....................................................................... 143
Changing the magnification of your drawing..................................................... 147
Displaying a drawing with a visual style............................................................ 152
Displaying multiple views .................................................................................. 153
Controlling visual elements............................................................................... 158
142 CHAPTER 6

Redrawing and regenerating a drawing

As you work on a drawing, visual elements may remain after the completion of a
command. You can remove these elements by refreshing, or redrawing, the display.

To redraw (refresh) the current window display

Do one of the following:
• Choose View > Redraw.
• On the Zoom toolbar, click the Redraw tool ( ).
• Type redraw and then press Enter.
Information about drawing entities is stored in a database as floating point values,
ensuring a high level of precision. Sometimes a drawing must be recalculated, or
regenerated, from the floating-point database to convert those values to the appropri-
ate screen coordinates. This occurs automatically. You can also manually initiate a
regeneration. When the drawing is regenerated, it is also redrawn.
To regenerate the current window, type regen in the command bar. If more than one
window is displayed, type regenall to regenerate all the windows.
 VIEWING YOUR DRAWING 143

Moving around within a drawing

You can move the view of a drawing displayed in the current viewport by scrolling,
panning, or rotating the view. Doing this changes the portion of the drawing you are
viewing without changing the current magnification. Scrolling lets you move around
in the drawing horizontally and vertically. Panning lets you move the drawing in any
direction. Rotating lets you view your drawing from any angle.
You can also move to a different view using the Model and Layout tabs. For more
details, see “Viewing drawings in paper space and model space” on page 412. For
more details, see Viewing drawings in paper space and model space.

Using scroll bars

To assist you in navigating within a drawing, horizontal and vertical scroll bars are
available in each drawing window. The size of the scroll box in relation to the scroll
bar indicates the current level of drawing magnification. The position of the scroll
box in relation to the scroll bar indicates the location of the center of the drawing in
relation to the extents of the drawing (the smallest rectangle containing all the entities
in the drawing).

To turn scroll bars on or off

Do one of the following:
• Choose View > Display > Scroll Bars.
• Choose Tools > Options > Display tab, and select Show Scroll Bars.
• Type scrollbar, press Enter, and then select On, Off, or Toggle.

Panning a drawing
You can move the drawing in any direction using the Pan tool ( ) on the View
toolbar. Panning shifts or slides the view of the drawing horizontally, vertically, or
diagonally. The magnification of the drawing remains the same, as does its orienta-
tion in space. The only change is the portion of the drawing displayed.

If you often pan (and zoom) to a certain area of a drawing, you can create and re-use a
view using the View Manager.
For details, see “Using named views” on page 226.

Panning by specifying two points

For precise panning, specify two points defining the magnitude and direction of the
pan. The first point, or base point, indicates the starting point of the pan. The second
point indicates the amount of pan displacement relative to the first point.
144 CHAPTER 6

To pan by specifying two points

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose View > Pan > Pan.
• On the View toolbar, click the Pan tool ( ).
• Type pan and then press Enter.
2 Specify the pan base point either by typing the coordinates or by specifying a point
in the drawing window.
3 Specify the pan displacement point either by typing the coordinates or by specify-
ing a point in the drawing window.

A
B

Select the pan base point (A), and then select a Result.
second point (B) to specify the pan displacement.

Panning in real time

By panning in real time, you control the pan at the same time you move your mouse.

Using real-time pan in large drawing files can be memory intensive.

It may be helpful to set the ZOOMDETAIL system variable to a higher number to
reduce the number of entities that display. For example, if the value is set to 10, only
the 10th entity will display when panning and zooming in real-time.

To pan in real time

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose View > Pan > Real-Time Pan.
• On the Zoom toolbar, click the Real-Time Pan tool ( ).
• Type rtpan and then press Enter.
2 Click and hold the left mouse button.
3 Move the cursor in the direction you want to pan.
4 To stop panning, release the mouse button.
 VIEWING YOUR DRAWING 145

Use the mouse and keyboard shortcut.

Hold down the right mouse button while simultaneously pressing and holding Ctrl +
Shift to pan in real-time.

Panning using a mouse with a wheel

You can use the wheel of your mouse to help zoom in and out of a drawing.
The MBUTTONPAN system variable controls this feature.

To pan using a mouse with a wheel

• Press and hold the wheel, and then move the mouse in the direction you want to
pan.

Panning using the arrow keys

To pan in small increments, use the arrow keys.
You can pan using the arrow keys if Use Up/Down Arrows for Command History
Navigation is not marked on the Display tab in Tools > Options.

To pan using the arrow keys

• Press the up, down, right, or left arrow keys.

Orbiting the drawing in real time

IntelliCAD allows you to orbit the drawing, or rotate the view, in real time. This
allows you to view your model from any angle while in model space. You cannot
rotate the view while in paper space.

Using 3D Orbit commands in large drawing files can be memory intensive.

It may be helpful to set the ZOOMDETAIL system variable to a higher number to
reduce the number of entities that display. For example, if the value is set to 10, only
the 10th entity will display when panning and zooming in real-time.
146 CHAPTER 6

To orbit the drawing

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose View > 3D Orbit > Constrained Orbit.
• On the 3D Orbit toolbar, click the Constrained Orbit tool ( ).
• Type 3dorbit and then press Enter.
• Press and hold Ctrl.
2 Do one of the following:
• Click and drag the left mouse button to orbit the drawing.
• Choose Set to pick a different point on which to orbit, then click and drag the
mouse to orbit the drawing.
3 To stop orbiting, release the mouse button.

You can orbit without locking any axis or choose a different axis to lock.
Use the Free Orbit command to orbit the drawing without any axis locked. Use the
Constrained X Orbit, Constrained Y Orbit, and Constrained Z Orbit commands to
orbit the drawing while maintaining the chosen axis. You can also press Ctrl and use
the right mouse button to rotate the view about the z-axis.

To orbit the drawing using continuous motion

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose View > 3D Orbit > Continuous Orbit.
• On the 3D Orbit toolbar, click the Continuous Orbit tool ( ).
• Type 3dcorbit and then press Enter.
• Press and hold Ctrl.
2 Do one of the following:
• Click and drag the left mouse button to orbit the drawing.
• Choose Set to pick a different point on which to orbit, then click and drag the
mouse to orbit the drawing.
3 Release the mouse button. The view continues to orbit.
4 When finished, press Enter or Esc, or right-click the drawing.
 VIEWING YOUR DRAWING 147

Changing the magnification of your drawing

You can change the magnification of your drawing at any time by zooming. The
cursor changes to a magnifying glass ( ) when a zoom tool is active. Zoom out to
reduce the magnification so you can see more of the drawing, or zoom in to increase
the magnification so you can see a portion of the drawing in greater detail. Changing
the magnification of the drawing affects only the way the drawing is displayed; it has
no effect on the dimensions of the entities in your drawing.

If you often zoom (and pan) to a certain area of a drawing, you can create and re-use a
view using the View Manager.
For details, see “Using named views” on page 226.

If you cannot zoom in a layout viewport, the layout viewport may be locked.
The scale and view do not change in model space while panning or zooming in a
locked layout viewport. For more details, see “Modifying layout viewports” on page
419. For more details, see Modifying layout viewports.

Understanding zoom
One of the easiest ways to change the magnification of the drawing is to zoom in or
out by a preset increment. On the Zoom toolbar, the Zoom In tool ( )doubles the
current magnification of the drawing. The Zoom Out tool ( ) reduces the magnifi-
cation of the drawing by half. The portion of the drawing located at the center of the
current viewport remains centered on the screen as you zoom in and out.

Zoom in. Zoom out.

Zooming in to an area using a window

You can create a window that defines the portion of the drawing to which you want to
zoom.
148 CHAPTER 6

To zoom in to an area using a window

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose View > Zoom > Window.
• On the Zoom toolbar, click the Zoom Window tool ( ).
• Type zoom and then press Enter.
2 Select one corner of the window around the area you want to magnify.
3 Specify the opposite corner of the window around the area you want to magnify.

To specify a rectangular window around the Result.

area you want to magnify, select first one corner
(A), and then select the opposite corner (B).

Zooming in real time

By zooming in real time, you control the zoom at the same time you move your
mouse.

To zoom in real time

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose View > Zoom > Real-Time Zoom.
• On the Zoom toolbar, click the Real-Time Zoom tool ( ).
• Type rtzoom and then press Enter.
• Simultaneously press and hold Ctrl + Shift.
2 Click and hold the left mouse button.
3 To zoom in, move the cursor up the screen; to zoom out, move the cursor down the
screen.
4 To stop zooming, release the mouse button.
 VIEWING YOUR DRAWING 149

Zooming using a mouse with a wheel

Each rotation of the wheel away from you zooms out .8 times; each rotation toward
you zooms in 1.25 times.

To zoom using a mouse with a wheel

• Rotate the wheel away from you to zoom in or toward you to zoom out.

Customize the mouse wheel

Settings for the mouse wheel can be customized to accommodate your work style
using the ZOOMWHEEL (wheel direction), ZOOMPERCENT (display accuracy for
curved entities), and ZOOMFACTOR (zoom factor for the wheel) system variables.

Displaying the previous view of a drawing

After you zoom in or pan to view a portion of your drawing in greater detail, you may
want to restore the previous view to see the entire drawing.

To display the previous view of a drawing

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose View > Zoom > Previous.
• On the Zoom toolbar, click the Zoom Previous tool ( ).
Selecting this tool repeatedly steps back through up to 25 successive zoomed or
panned views.

Zooming to a specific scale

You can increase or decrease the magnification of your view by a precise scale factor
measured relative to the overall size of the drawing or in relation to the current dis-
play. When you change the magnification factor, the portion of the drawing located at
the center of the current viewport remains centered on the screen.
To change the magnification of the view relative to the overall size of the drawing,
type a number representing the magnification scale factor. For example, if you type a
scale factor of 2, the drawing appears at twice its original size. If you type a magnifi-
cation factor of .5, the drawing appears at half its original size.
You can also change the magnification of the drawing relative to its current magnifi-
cation by adding an x after the magnification scale factor. For example, if you type a
scale factor of 2x, the drawing changes to twice its current size. If you type a magnifi-
cation factor of .5x, the drawing changes to half its current size.
150 CHAPTER 6

To zoom to a specific scale relative to the current display

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose View > Zoom > Zoom In.
• On the Zoom toolbar, click the Zoom In tool ( ).
• Type zoom and then press Enter.
2 Type the scale factor, followed by an x (such as 2x).
3 Press Enter.

Combining zooming and panning

You can specify the point you want at the center of the view when you change the
drawing magnification. You can specify the point you want at the lower left of the
view when you change the magnification of the drawing with the Zoom Left tool
( ) on the Zoom toolbar. With the exception of the Zoom Window tool, the other
zoom tools zoom in or out from the center of the current view.

To change the center of the current view

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose View > Zoom > Center.
• On the Zoom toolbar, click the Zoom Center tool ( ).
• Type zoom, press Enter, and then in the prompt box, choose Center.
2 Select the point you want located at the center of the new view.
3 Specify the zoom scale factor or the height of the drawing in drawing units.

Current view showing the point to be centered in the new view (A), and the new view zoomed using a scale
factor of 2x.
 VIEWING YOUR DRAWING 151

Displaying the entire drawing

There are two main ways you can zoom to display the entire drawing:
• Zoom all — Displays the entire drawing. If you have drawn any entities outside
the defined limits of the drawing, the extents of the drawing are displayed. If all
entities are within the limits of the drawing, the drawing is displayed all the way to
the drawing limits.
• Zoom extents — Displays the drawing to include all entities (to its extents), mak-
ing the image fill the display to the greatest possible magnification.

To display the entire drawing

1 To display the entire drawing, do one of the following:
• Choose View > Zoom > All.
• On the Zoom toolbar, click the Zoom All tool ( ).
Or, to display the drawing to its extents, do one of the following:
• Choose View > Zoom > Extents.
• On the Zoom toolbar, click the Zoom Extents tool ( ).

Zoom extents (displays all entities). Zoom all (displays to drawing limits).
152 CHAPTER 6

Displaying a drawing with a visual style

Visual styles allow you to easily view your drawing using different methods accord-
ing to your needs. For example, if you’re just starting a new drawing, you might want
to view it using a wireframe mode, which looks similar to a model made out of wire
and displays faster than more complex visual styles.
The following visual styles are available:
• 2D Wireframe — Drawing displays in two dimensions with all lines drawn at the
edge of entities.
• 3D Wireframe — Drawing displays in three dimensions with all lines drawn at the
edge of entities.
• 3D Hidden — Drawing displays in three dimensions with all lines drawn at the
edge of entities except those behind surfaces.
• Realistic — Drawing displays in three dimensions with surfaces filled with
assigned materials.
• Conceptual — Drawing displays in three dimensions with surfaces filled with
assigned materials and more conceptual detail.

The more detail that displays on the screen, the greater the impact on performance.

To change the visual style

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose View > Visual Styles, then make your selection.
• On the View toolbar, click the 2D Wireframe tool ( ).
• On the View toolbar, click the 3D Wireframe tool ( ).
• On the View toolbar, click the 3D Hidden tool ( ).
• On the View toolbar, click the Realistic tool ( ).
• On the View toolbar, click the Conceptual tool ( ).
• Type vscurrent, press Enter, then make your selection.
 VIEWING YOUR DRAWING 153

Displaying multiple views

When you begin a new drawing, it is displayed in a single window. You can view the
drawing in a second window, or you can divide one window into multiple windows.
You can also open and display multiple drawings.

Working with multiple views of a single drawing

You can open and work with several views of the same drawing simultaneously.
There are two methods for dividing the current drawing into multiple views:
• Open a new window of the open drawing.
• Divide the current window into multiple views.
After you divide a single window into multiple windows, you can control each win-
dow separately. For example, you can zoom or pan in one window without affecting
the display in any of the other windows. You can control the grid, snap, and view ori-
entation separately for each window. You can restore named views in individual win-
dows, draw from one window to another, and name window configurations
individually so you can reuse them later.
As you draw, any changes you make in one window are immediately visible in the
others. You can switch from one window to another at any time, even in the middle of
a command, by clicking the window’s title bar.

Opening a new window of the same drawing

You can open additional windows to create more than one view of a drawing. To
open a new window, choose Window > New Window. After you open a new win-
dow, you can change its display without affecting any of the other windows.
When you open more than one window for a single drawing, each window is assigned
a unique number (for example, mydrawing:1, mydrawing:2, and so on). If your cur-
rent window is maximized, you can switch to another open window by selecting its
name from the bottom of the Window menu.
The names of other open drawings appear at the bottom of the Window menu. You
can also use the Cascade, Tile Horizontally, and Tile Vertically commands to arrange
all the open windows and drawings. To arrange all the windows and drawings into a
stack of identically sized windows, choose Window > Cascade. Arranging windows
and drawings in this way makes it easy to see the title bar for each window.
To arrange all the windows and drawings horizontally so they are placed in order
from top to bottom, choose Window > Tile Horizontally. Arranging windows and
drawings in this way displays each open window. The windows are resized to fit
within the available space.
To arrange all the windows and drawings vertically so they are placed side by side,
choose Window > Tile Vertically. Arranging windows and drawings in this way dis-
plays each open window. The windows are resized to fit within the available space.
154 CHAPTER 6

To manage all the windows from one dialog box, choose Window > Windows to
open the Windows dialog box.
IntelliCAD uses the commands in the following table to control its windows.

IntelliCAD window-control commands

Command Result
vports Splits the current window into two, three, or four tiled windows.
wcascade Cascades (overlaps) all open windows.
wclose Closes the current window.
wcloseall Closes all windows; also closes all drawings.
whtile Tiles all windows horizontally.
wiarrange Arranges window icons.
wopen Opens another window of the current drawing.
wvtile Tiles all windows vertically.

Dividing the current window into multiple views

You can divide a single drawing window into multiple tiled windows (called view-
ports) on the Model tab. You can control the number of windows created and the
arrangement of the windows. You can also save and restore named window configu-
rations and display a list of the current and saved window configurations.

To create multiple views

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose View > Viewports.
• On the View toolbar, click the Viewports tool ( ).
• Type viewports and then press Enter.
2 In the prompt box, choose Create 2 Viewports, Create 3 Viewports, or Create 4
Viewports.
3 In the prompt box, choose the viewport orientation.
 VIEWING YOUR DRAWING 155

A B C

D E F

G H I

You can divide a drawing window into two windows arranged vertically (A) or horizontally (B); three windows
arranged left (C), right (D), above (E), below (F), vertically (G), or horizontally (H); or four tiled windows (I).

To join two views

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose View > Viewports.
• On the View toolbar, click the Viewports tool ( ).
• Type viewports and then press Enter.
2 In the prompt box, choose Join.
3 Click anywhere inside the window you want to keep.
4 Click anywhere inside the adjacent window you want to join to the first window.
5 Press Enter.
156 CHAPTER 6

Saving window configurations

If you have divided the drawing window into multiple views, you can save the current
window arrangement so that you can recall it to the screen later. The number and
placement of the windows are saved exactly as they are currently displayed. The set-
tings for each window are also saved.

To name and save a window configuration

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose View > Viewports.
• On the View toolbar, click the Viewports tool ( ).
• Type viewports and then press Enter.
2 In the prompt box, choose Save.
3 Type a configuration name, and then press Enter.
The name can be up to 255 characters in length and can contain letters, numbers,
the dollar sign ($), hyphen (-), and underscore (_), or any combination.

To restore a named window configuration

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose View > Viewports.
• On the View toolbar, click the Viewports tool ( ).
• Type viewports and then press Enter.
2 In the prompt box, choose Restore.
3 Type the name of the window configuration you want to restore.

Working with multiple drawings

With the multiple-document interface (MDI) feature, you can open more than one
drawing inside of IntelliCAD. Because you can open and work on several drawings at
one time, you can copy, cut, or paste an entity from one drawing to another.
Each drawing appears in a drawing window, which has the following advantages:
• You can see two or more drawings side by side.
• You can easily copy entities from one drawing to another.
• Using the IntelliCAD Explorer, you can copy such elements as layers, linetypes,
and text styles from one drawing to another.
• Like viewports on the Model tab, you can tile or overlap drawing windows; unlike
viewports on the Model tab, drawing windows maximize or reduce to an icon.
 VIEWING YOUR DRAWING 157

One session of IntelliCAD with four drawings open.

Each drawing window that you open and work on retains in the Prompt History log
all the commands that you perform, but the command line does not indicate when you
have switched windows.
When you work with more than one drawing open in its own window, you can easily
move, cut, copy, and paste in between drawings. If you move an entity from one win-
dow to another and then want to undo this action, you must undo it in both drawings
for it to take effect. If you copy an entity from one window to another and then want
to undo that action, you must undo it from the drawing into which you copied the
entity. If you cut and paste an entity and then want to undo that action, you must undo
it in both drawings.
158 CHAPTER 6

Controlling visual elements

The number of entities in your drawing and the complexity of the drawing affect how
quickly IntelliCAD can process commands and display your drawing. You can
improve overall program performance by turning off the display of certain visual ele-
ments, such as solid fills and text, while you work on the drawing. When you are
ready to print your drawing, turn on the display of these elements so your drawing
prints the way you want.
You can also improve performance by turning off entity-selection highlighting, turn-
ing off the display of marker blips created when you select locations in the drawing,
and by turning off the display of lineweights.

Displaying solid fills

You can reduce the time it takes to display or print a drawing by turning off the dis-
play of solid fill. When solid fills are turned off, all filled entities, such as wide
polylines and planes, display and print as outlines. When you turn solid fills on or off,
you must redraw the drawing before the change is displayed.
A check mark appears next to the Fill command on the Settings menu when it is
turned on.

To turn the display of solid fills on or off

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose View > Display > Fill.
• On the Settings toolbar, click the Fill tool ( ).
• Type fill and then press Enter.
2 Choose View > Redraw.

Fill on. Fill off.

 VIEWING YOUR DRAWING 159

Displaying quick text

Text entities require a considerable amount of time to display and print. You can
reduce the time it takes to display or print a drawing by enabling quick text. For
example, if you’re doing a preliminary check print of a drawing, you may want to
turn quick text on to speed up printing. When quick text is enabled, text entities are
replaced by rectangular boxes that indicate the outline of the area occupied by the
text. When you turn quick text on or off, you must regenerate the drawing before the
change is displayed.

To turn the display of quick text on and off

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Drawing Settings.
• On the Tools toolbar, click the Drawing Settings tool ( ).
• Type qtext, press Enter, and then in the prompt box, choose On or Off.
2 Click the Display tab.
3 Under Change Settings For, click Display.
4 Select or clear the Enable Quick Text check box.
5 Click OK.
6 To regenerate your drawing, do one of the following:
• Choose View > Regen.
• On the View toolbar, click the Regen tool ( ).
• Type regen and then press Enter.

Quick Text off. Quick Text on.

160 CHAPTER 6

Displaying highlighting
You can improve overall program performance by turning highlighting off. When
you select entities to modify, the program highlights them using a dashed linetype.
This highlight disappears when you finish modifying the entities or when the entities
are cleared. Sometimes highlighting entities can take a considerable amount of time.

To turn highlighting on and off

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Drawing Settings.
• On the Tools toolbar, click the Drawing Settings tool ( ).
• Type highlight, press Enter, and then in the prompt box, choose On or Off.
2 Click the Display tab.
3 Under Change Settings For, click Display.
4 Select or clear the Highlight Item When Selected check box.
5 Click OK.

Displaying blips
You can turn blips off. They are the temporary markers that appear on the screen
when you select an entity or location. Blips are visible only until you redraw the
drawing. You cannot select blips; they are used only for reference and never print.

To turn the display of blips on and off

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Drawing Settings.
• On the Tools toolbar, click the Drawing Settings tool ( ).
• Type blipmode, press Enter, and then in the prompt box, choose On or Off.
2 Click the Display tab.
3 Under Change Settings For, click Display.
4 Select or clear the Show Marker Blips check box.
5 Click OK.

Blips on. Blips off.

 VIEWING YOUR DRAWING 161

Displaying lineweights
You can reduce the time it takes to display a drawing by turning off the display of lin-
eweights. When you turn off lineweights, all entities display as outlines.
You can also specify a lineweight scale. Specify a smaller scale to display thinner
lines; specify a larger scale to display thicker lines. For example, a scale factor of 0.5
would display a .80 millimeter lineweight as .40 millimeter; a scale factor of 2 would
increase the same lineweight to display at 1.6 millimeters. This can help you differen-
tiate various lineweights that display in a drawing. Adjusting the lineweight display
scale affects how the lineweights appear on your screen, not how they appear when
printed.

Lineweight scale can affect performance.

Setting the lineweight scale too high may result in slower system performance.

You can also adjust the units for measuring lineweights, and the default lineweight.

To control the display of lineweights

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Drawing Settings.
• On the Tools toolbar, click the Drawing Settings tool ( ).
• Type settings and then press Enter.
• Type lweight and then press Enter.
2 Click the Display tab.
3 Under Change Settings For, click Lineweights.
4 Select or clear Display Lineweights.
5 In Units for Listing, choose Millimeters or Inches.
6 In Default, select the lineweight assigned to layers and entities that use the Default
lineweight.
7 In Adjust Display Scale, move the slider to the scale you want. By default, the
slider begins at 1.00.
8 Click OK.

Use a shortcut.
To turn the display of lineweights on or off, use the LWDISPLAY system variable or
double-click the word LWT on the status bar.

You can turn lineweights on or off when you print. For details, see “Specifying print
options specifically for layouts” on page 429.
162 CHAPTER 6
 7

Working with coordinates

For accuracy in a drawing, you can locate specific points by entering coordinates as
you draw or modify entities. When you create two-dimensional entities, you enter
two-dimensional coordinates; for three-dimensional entities, you specify three-
dimensional coordinates.
You can also specify coordinates in relation to other known locations or entities in a
drawing. In particular, when you work in three-dimensional drawings, it is often eas-
ier to specify coordinates in relation to a two-dimensional working plane, called a
user coordinate system (UCS).
This section explains how to work with coordinates, including how to:
• Use two-dimensional and three-dimensional coordinate systems.
• Specify absolute and relative coordinates.
• Specify polar, spherical, and cylindrical coordinates.
• Define and manipulate user coordinate systems.

Topics in this chapter

Using Cartesian coordinates ............................................................................ 164
Using two-dimensional coordinates .................................................................. 167
Using three-dimensional coordinates ............................................................... 170
Using xyz point filters........................................................................................ 173
Defining user coordinate systems..................................................................... 175
164 CHAPTER 7

Using Cartesian coordinates

Many commands in IntelliCAD require that you specify points as you draw or modify
entities. You can do so by selecting points with the mouse or by typing coordinate
values in the command bar. The program locates points in a drawing using a Carte-
sian coordinate system.

Understanding how coordinate systems work

The Cartesian coordinate system uses three perpendicular axes — x, y, and z — to
specify points in three-dimensional space. Every location in a drawing can be repre-
sented as a point relative to a 0,0,0 coordinate point, referred to as the origin. To draw
a two-dimensional entity, you specify horizontal coordinate positions along the x-axis
and vertical coordinate positions along the y-axis. Thus, every point on a plane can be
represented as a coordinate pair composed of an x-coordinate and a y-coordinate.
Positive coordinates are located above and to the right of the origin; negative coordi-
nates are located to the left and below the origin.

Y
-Z
5
4
3
-X 2 (5, 2, 0)
-3 -2 1
-1
1 2
-1 3 4
5 6 X
-2
-3 (0, 0, 0)
Z

-Y

The three perpendicular axes of the Cartesian coordinate system.

When you work in two dimensions, you need enter only the x- and y-coordinates; the
program assumes that the z-axis value is always the current elevation. When you
work in three dimensions, however, you must also specify the z-axis value. When you
look at a plan view of your drawing (a view from above, looking down), the z-axis
extends straight up out of the screen at a 90-degree angle to the xy plane. Positive
coordinates are located above the xy plane, and negative coordinates are below the
plane.
 WORKING WITH COORDINATES 165

All IntelliCAD drawings use a fixed coordinate system, called the World Coordinate
System (WCS), and every point in a drawing has a specific x,y,z-coordinate in the
WCS. You can also define arbitrary coordinate systems located anywhere in three-
dimensional space. These are called user coordinate systems and can be located any-
where in the WCS and oriented in any direction.
You can create as many user coordinate systems as you want, saving or redefining
them to help you construct three-dimensional entities. By defining a UCS within the
WCS, you can simplify the creation of most three-dimensional entities into combina-
tions of two-dimensional entities.
To help you keep your bearings in the current coordinate system, the program dis-
plays a coordinate system icon. When you begin a new drawing, you are automati-
cally in the WCS, indicated by the letter W in the icon. When you display a drawing
in plan view, you see the coordinate system icon from the top, with the z-axis directed
straight toward you. When you display a three-dimensional drawing in a view other
than plan view, the coordinate system icon changes to reflect your new viewpoint.

The visible portions of the axes are the positive directions.

The invisible portions are the negative directions.

WCS icon. Plan UCS icon. 3D View WCS icon.

The IntelliCAD UCS icon looks different from the UCS icon in AutoCAD, because it
presents more information. Three colors represent the three axes, making it easier for
you to recognize the orientation in three-dimensional space:
• x-axis: red
• y-axis: green
• z-axis: blue
If you prefer a single color for the cursor and UCS icon, you can make that change
with the config or options command.
166 CHAPTER 7

Understanding how coordinates display

The current position of the cursor is displayed as x,y,z-coordinates in the status bar
and, by default, updates dynamically as you move the cursor. You can toggle the
coordinate display to static mode by pressing F6, so that it updates only when you
select a point in the drawing.
You can also change the coordinate display to a different dynamic mode that shows
the distance and angle (rather than x,y,z-coordinates) when the program displays a
rubber-band line. To do this, choose Tools > Drawing Settings and select the Display
tab. Under Coordinate Display, select the option for Coordinates In Polar Form For
Distance And Angle Selection.

You can control the coordinate display from the Drawing Settings dialog box.
 WORKING WITH COORDINATES 167

Finding the coordinates of a point

To find the x,y,z-coordinates for a point on an entity, such as the endpoint of a line,
select an appropriate entity snap (such as Endpoint) before selecting the entity. If you
have no entity snaps set, the x,y-coordinates of the point you specified is displayed,
with the z-coordinate equal to the current elevation.

To find the coordinate of a point in the drawing

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Inquiry > ID Coordinates.
• On the Inquiry toolbar, click the ID Coordinates tool ( ).
• Type idpoint and then press Enter.
2 Select the point for which you want to find the coordinates.
If the command bar is activated, the x,y,z-coordinates for the point you selected
display in the command bar.
If the command bar is not activated, the Prompt History window displays, show-
ing the x,y,z-coordinates for the point you selected.

Using two-dimensional coordinates

When working in two dimensions, you specify points on the xy plane. You can spec-
ify any point as an absolute coordinate (or Cartesian coordinate), using the exact x-
coordinate and y-coordinate locations in relation to the origin (the 0,0 coordinate
point at which the two axes intersect), or as a relative coordinate in relation to the pre-
vious point. You can also specify points using relative or absolute polar coordinates,
which locate a point using a distance and an angle.

Entering absolute Cartesian coordinates

To enter absolute Cartesian coordinates, type the coordinate location of the point in
the command bar. For example, to use absolute Cartesian coordinates to draw a line
from the origin (0,0) to a point 3 units to the right and 1 unit above the origin, start the
Line command and respond to the prompts as follows:
Start of line: 0,0

Angle • Length • <Endpoint>: 3,1

168 CHAPTER 7

Y 3

(0, 0)
(3, 1)
1
-X X

-Y

Drawing a line using the absolute Cartesian coordinate method.

When using absolute Cartesian coordinates, you need to know the exact point loca-
tions for anything you draw. For instance, to use absolute Cartesian coordinates to
draw an 8.5-unit square with its lower left corner at 4,5, you must determine that the
upper left corner is at coordinate 4,13.5, the upper right corner at 12.5,13.5, and the
lower right corner at 12.5,5.

Entering relative Cartesian coordinates

Another, simpler method is to use relative Cartesian coordinates: you specify a
location in the drawing by determining its position relative to the last coordinate you
specified. To use relative Cartesian coordinates, type the coordinate values in the
command bar, preceded by the at symbol (@). The coordinate pair following the @
symbol represents the distance along the x-axis and the y-axis to the next point. For
example, to draw an 8.5-unit square with its lower left corner at 4,5 using relative
Cartesian coordinates, start the Line command, and then respond to the prompts as
follows:
Start of line: 4,5

Angle • Length • <Endpoint>: @8.5,0

Angle • Length • Follow • Undo • <Endpoint>: @0,8.5

Angle • Length • Follow • Close • Undo • <Endpoint>: @-8.5,0

Angle • Length • Follow • Close • Undo • <Endpoint>: C

 WORKING WITH COORDINATES 169

Y @-8.5, 0
13

@0, 8.5

5 (4, 5) @8.5,0

(0, 0)
-X X
-Y 4 12

Drawing a square using the relative Cartesian coordinates method; enter C to close.
The first relative coordinate (@8.5,0) locates the new point 8.5 units to the right
(along the x-axis) from the previous point of 4,5; the second relative coordinate
(@0,8.5) locates the next point 8.5 units above (along the y-axis) the previous point,
and so on. Entering C (for Close) draws the final line segment back to the first point
specified when you started the Line command.

Entering polar coordinates

Using relative polar coordinates makes drawing a square tilted at a 45-degree angle a
simple task. Polar coordinates base the location of a point on a distance and angle
from either the origin (absolute coordinate) or from the previous point (relative coor-
dinate).
To specify polar coordinates, type a distance and an angle, separated by the open
angle bracket (<). For example, to use relative polar coordinates to specify a point 1
unit away from the previous point and at an angle of 45 degrees, type @1<45.
To draw the square from the example in the previous section, “Entering relative Car-
tesian coordinates,” this time tilted at a 45-degree angle, start the Line command, and
then respond to the prompts as follows:
Start of line: 4,5

Angle • Length • <Endpoint>: @8.5<45

Angle • Length • Follow • Undo • <Endpoint>: @8.5<315

Angle • Length • Follow • Close • Undo • <Endpoint>: @8.5<225

Angle • Length • Follow • Close • Undo • <Endpoint>: C

170 CHAPTER 7

@8.5<315
@8.5<45

5 (4, 5)
@8.5<225
(0, 0) C
-X X
-Y 4

Drawing a tilted square using the relative polar coordinates method; enter C to close.

This example assumes the program’s default settings.

Like all examples in this guide, the example assumes default settings: Angles increase
counterclockwise and decrease clockwise. An angle of 315 degrees is the same as -45
degrees.

Using three-dimensional coordinates

Specifying coordinates in three-dimensional space is similar to working in two
dimensions, except that you also use the z-axis to locate coordinates. Three-dimen-
sional coordinates are represented in the format x,y,z (for example, 2,3,6).

Using the right-hand rule

To visualize how IntelliCAD works with three-dimensional space, use a technique
known as the right-hand rule. Hold up your right hand in a loose fist with your palm
facing you. Extend your thumb in the direction of the positive x-axis and your index
finger upward in the direction of the positive y-axis. Then extend your middle finger
straight toward you in the direction of the z-axis. These three fingers are now pointing
in the positive x, y, and z directions, respectively.
You can also use the right-hand rule to determine the positive rotation direction. Point
your thumb in the positive direction of the axis about which you want to rotate, and
then curl the rest of your fingers toward your palm. These fingers are curling in the
positive rotation direction.
 WORKING WITH COORDINATES 171

The right-hand rule helps you determine the positive direction of the x-, y-, and z-axes and the
positive rotation direction.

Entering x,y,z-coordinates
When working in three dimensions, you can specify x,y,z-coordinates as absolute dis-
tances in relation to the origin (the 0,0,0 coordinate point at which the three axes
intersect) or as relative coordinates based on the last point selected. For example, to
specify a point 3 units along the positive x-axis, 4 units along the positive y-axis, and
2 units along the positive z-axis, specify the coordinate 3,4,2.

Entering spherical coordinates

When working in three-dimensional space, you can use spherical coordinates to spec-
ify a three-dimensional point by entering its distance from either the origin (absolute
distance) or the last point (relative distance), along with its angle in the xy plane and
its angle up from the xy plane. In spherical format, you separate each angle with the
open angle bracket (<).
Thus, to draw a line from the origin to a point 10.2500 drawing units away, at an
angle of 45 degrees from the x-axis and 35 degrees from the xy plane, start the Line
command, and then respond to the prompts as follows:
Start of line: 0,0,0

Angle • Length • <Endpoint>: 10.2500<45<35

172 CHAPTER 7

Z
B

C
E Y

A D
X

When you draw a line from a start point (A) to an endpoint (B) using spherical coordinates, you
specify its length (C, in this case 10.2500 units), the angle in the xy plane (D, in this case 45
degrees), and the angle from the xy plane (E, in this case 35 degrees).

Entering cylindrical coordinates

When working in three-dimensional space, you can also use cylindrical coordinates
to specify a three-dimensional point. You specify a point by entering its distance from
either the origin (absolute distance) or the last point (relative distance), its angle in the
xy plane, and its z-coordinate value.
In cylindrical format, you separate the distance and angle with the open angle bracket
(<) and separate the angle and z value with a comma. For example, to draw a line
from the last point to a point 7.4750 units away, at an angle of 27 degrees from the x-
axis in the xy plane and 3 units up in the z direction, start the Line command, and then
respond to the prompts as follows:
Start of line: (select point A)

Angle • Length • <Endpoint>: @7.4750<27,3

B Y
C

A D

When you draw a line from a start point (A) to an endpoint (B) using cylindrical coordinates,
you specify its length (C, in this case 7.4750), the angle in the xy plane (D, in this case 27
degrees), and the distance in the z direction (E, in this case 3 units).
 WORKING WITH COORDINATES 173

Using xyz point filters

Point filters provide a method of locating a point in a drawing relative to another
point without specifying the entire coordinate. Using a point filter, you can enter par-
tial coordinates, and then the program prompts you for the remaining coordinate
information. To use xyz point filters, respond to the prompt for a coordinate with a
filter in the following form:
.coordinate
where coordinate is one or more of the letters x, y, and z. The program then prompts
you for the filtered coordinate(s). For example, if you type .xy, the program prompts
you to select a point whose xy-coordinate you want, and then prompts you for the z-
coordinate. The filters .x, .y, .z, .xy, .xz, and .yz are all valid filters.

Using point filters in two dimensions

You can use point filters when you work in two dimensions to locate points in rela-
tion to existing entities. For example, to draw a circle centered in a rectangle, start the
Circle command, and then respond to the prompts as follows:
2Point • 3Point • RadTanTan • Arc • Multiple • <Center of circle>: .y

Select Y of: mid

Snap to midpoint of: (select the left side of the rectangle)

Still need XZ of: mid

Snap to midpoint of: (select top of the rectangle)

Diameter • <Radius>: (specify radius of circle)

You can use point filters to center the circle by separately selecting the midpoints of
two sides of the rectangle (A and B) and then specifying its radius.
174 CHAPTER 7

Using point filters in three dimensions

You can use point filters when you work in three-dimensional space to locate points
in two dimensions and then specify the z-coordinate as the elevation above the xy
plane. For example, to begin drawing a line from a point with a z-coordinate 3 units
above the center of a circle, insert the circle, and then start the Line command and
respond to the prompts as follows:
ENTER to use last point • Follow • <Start of line>: .xy

Select XY of: cen

Snap to centerpoint of: (select a point on the circle)

Still need Z of: 3 (locates the starting point 3 units above the center of
the circle)

Length of line: (specify the length of the line)

C
A

You can use point filters to draw a line by first selecting a point in the xy plane (A),
specifying the z-coordinate (B), and then specifying the length of the line (C).
 WORKING WITH COORDINATES 175

Defining user coordinate systems

A user coordinate system (UCS) is a Cartesian coordinate system with origins and
orientation defined by the user.

Understanding user coordinate systems

When working in three-dimensional space, you can define a UCS with its own 0,0,0
origin and orientation separate from the WCS. You can create as many user coordi-
nate systems as you want, and then save and recall them as you need them to simplify
construction of three-dimensional entities.
For example, you can create a separate UCS for each side of a building. Then, by
switching to the UCS for the east side of the building, you can draw the windows on
that side by specifying only their x- and y-coordinates. When you create one or more
user coordinate systems, the coordinate entry is based on the current UCS.

UCS aligned with the front wall of the house.

Defining a user coordinate system

To define a UCS, you can use any of the following methods:
• Specify a new origin and points on the positive x- and y-axes.
• Specify a new origin and point on the positive z-axis.
• Align the UCS with an existing entity.
• Rotate the current UCS around any of its axes.
• Align the UCS with its z-axis parallel to the current viewing direction.
• Align the UCS xy plane perpendicular to the current view.

When you define a new UCS, the UCS icon changes to indicate the origin and orien-
tation of the new UCS.
176 CHAPTER 7

To define a UCS by specifying a new origin and points on the positive x- and y-
axes
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > User Coordinate Systems > Select a Predefined UCS.
• On the UCS toolbar, click the Select a Predefined UCS tool ( ).
• Type setucs and then press Enter.
2 In the User Coordinate Systems dialog box, click Explore UCSs.
3 In IntelliCAD Explorer, be sure that Coordinate Systems is selected, and click the
New Item tool ( ).
4 In the prompt box, choose 3 Point.
5 Select the new origin.
6 Select a point on the positive x-axis.
7 Select a point in the positive y direction.
8 In the IntelliCAD Explorer - Coordinate Systems dialog box, type the name for the
new UCS, and then close the dialog box.

B
Define the new UCS by selecting the origin (A), a point on the positive x-axis
(B), and a point in the positive y direction (C).

Using a preset user coordinate system

IntelliCAD lets you select a preset UCS. The six planes defined by looking along the
x,y,z-axes align the UCS with the top, left, front, bottom, right, or back, based on
either the WCS or the current UCS in effect when you select the tool. You can also
select the previous UCS, align the UCS to the current view, or select the WCS.
When you select a UCS, the cursor orientation and UCS icon change to reflect the
new UCS. The display does not change, however, unless you select the Change View
To Plan View Of The Selected UCS check box.
After you align the UCS to a preset UCS, you can use the IntelliCAD Explorer to
save the UCS. To do this, in the IntelliCAD Explorer window, choose Edit > New >
UCS, and then select Current.
 WORKING WITH COORDINATES 177

To select a preset UCS

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Format > User Coordinate Systems > Select a Predefined UCS.
• On the UCS toolbar, click the Select a Predefined UCS tool ( ).
• Type setucs and then press Enter.
2 Under Set The Selected UCS Relative To, select either Current UCS to change to
the new UCS by reorienting relative to the current UCS or World Coordinate Sys-
tem (WCS) to base the new UCS orientation on the WCS.
3 Under Select UCS, click the button corresponding to the UCS you want as the new
current UCS.

Preset UCSs are also available with a dialog box.

Choose Format > User Coordinate Systems, then select a predefined UCS from the
list. The preset UCSs are also available directly on the UCS toolbar.
178 CHAPTER 7
 8

Working with IntelliCAD Explorer

IntelliCAD Explorer provides a powerful and convenient way to maintain and man-
age many of the features and settings of your drawings. You can use IntelliCAD
Explorer to work with layers, linetypes, text styles, coordinate systems, named views,
blocks, and dimension styles within the current drawing or to copy this information
between drawings.
This section explains how to use IntelliCAD Explorer to:
• Manage elements related to settings and entities in your drawings.
• Organize information on layers, manage layers, and work with layer states.
• Create and use linetypes.
• Load text fonts and create text styles.
• Select and control coordinate systems.
• Save and restore named views.
• Work with layouts.
• Save, insert, and manage blocks and external references.
• Work with groups.
• Copy, cut, and paste dimension styles between .dwg files.

Topics in this chapter

Using IntelliCAD Explorer ................................................................................. 180
Organizing information on layers................................................................184
Working with linetypes ...................................................................................... 210
Working with text styles .................................................................................... 219
Working with coordinate systems ..................................................................... 223
Using named views........................................................................................... 226
Working with layouts ......................................................................................... 229
Working with blocks ...................................................................................232
Working with references to external files ....................................................237
Working with dimension styles.......................................................................... 241
Working with groups ......................................................................................... 243
180 CHAPTER 8

Using IntelliCAD Explorer

IntelliCAD Explorer is a separate window that allows you to view, create, copy, and
edit layers, layer states, linetypes, text styles, coordinate systems, blocks, dimension
styles, and views within your drawings. You can also use IntelliCAD Explorer to
copy these elements from one open drawing to another. IntelliCAD Explorer is a
great way to manage and maintain your drawings.

Displaying IntelliCAD Explorer

IntelliCAD Explorer opens in its own, separate window, which you can move or
resize. The IntelliCAD Explorer window has its own menu and tools.

To display IntelliCAD Explorer

Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > IntelliCAD Explorer > Explore Layers (or any other item).
• On the Tools toolbar, click the IntelliCAD Explorer tool ( ).
• Type explayers and then press Enter.
• Type la and then press Enter.
• On the status bar, right-click the current layer, and from the list, select Properties.

IntelliCAD Explorer displays elements, such as layers, layer states, linetypes, and
more, on the left and corresponding drawing settings on the right.

A E
B
D

A Tools on the Intellicad Explorer toolbar provide controls common to
all elements.
B The Elements pane shows the name of every drawing currently
open and lists the elements you can control in each drawing.
C
C Click on a setting to change it.
D The named settings for the selected element.
E Other toolbars appear, depending on the Elements pane selection.
 WORKING WITH INTELLICAD EXPLORER 181

Using IntelliCAD Explorer, you can create, delete, or modify any of the settings for
the currently selected element for a given drawing. You can also copy the contents of
any element from one drawing to another. The tools and menu items in the Intelli-
CAD Explorer window provide the following functions:

IntelliCAD Explorer tools

Tool Function

( ) New Item Creates a new layer, linetype, text style, coordinate system, view, block,
external reference, or dimension style.

( ) Current Makes the selection current.

( ) Cut Cuts the selection to the Clipboard.

( ) Copy Copies the selection to the Clipboard.

( ) Paste Pastes the selection from the Clipboard into the appropriate list of a
different drawing.

( ) Delete Deletes the selection from the list.

( ) Purge Eliminates unreferenced elements from your drawing file.

( ) Regen Recalculates the display for the current window.

( ) On/Off Regen Turns on and off the display recalculation.

( ) Help Displays online help for IntelliCAD Explorer.

Copying settings
A particularly powerful feature of the IntelliCAD Explorer is its capability of copying
many of the settings — layers, linetypes, text styles, coordinate systems, views,
blocks, or dimension styles — from one drawing to another. If you have more than
one drawing open, the IntelliCAD Explorer makes it easy to reuse information. For
example, when you copy layers from one drawing to another, the layer names as well
as their linetypes, colors, and other settings are also copied, but not the entities on
those layers.
182 CHAPTER 8

To copy layers from one open drawing to another open drawing

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Format > Explore Layers.
• Choose Tools > IntelliCAD Explorer > Explore Layers.
• On the Explorer toolbar, click the Explore Layers tool ( ).
• Type explayers and then press Enter.
2 In the Elements pane, select the drawing from which you want to copy layers.
3 If necessary, click the plus (+) symbol to expand the Elements list for the drawing,
and then click Layers.
4 In the Layers Settings In Drawing list (right pane), select the layers you want to
copy.
5 Choose Edit > Copy, or click the Copy tool ( ).
6 In the Elements pane, select the drawing to which you want to copy the layers.
7 If necessary, click the plus (+) symbol to expand the Elements list for the drawing,
and then click Layers.
8 Choose Edit > Paste, or click the Paste tool ( ).

Deleting settings
You can use the IntelliCAD Explorer to delete many of the items that appear in the
Elements list. You can delete a layer, linetype, text style, coordinate system, view,
block, or dimension style.
Because you may have already created entities on a particular layer or using a partic-
ular linetype or text style, deleting one of these elements requires that you make cer-
tain choices from options the program presents. For example, if you attempt to delete
a layer, the program prompts you to specify whether you want to move any entities
from that layer to another layer. Every drawing has at least one layer, the default
layer, named “0.” You cannot delete or rename this layer. Your drawing can also con-
tain an unlimited number of additional layers, each of which you assign a unique
name.
If you try to delete a linetype, the program prompts you to specify whether you want
to convert all entities drawn using that linetype to a different linetype. If you attempt
to delete a text style, the program prompts you to specify whether you want to convert
all text entities created using that style to a different style.
 WORKING WITH INTELLICAD EXPLORER 183

To delete a layer and relocate its entities to another layer

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Format > Explore Layers.
• Choose Tools > IntelliCAD Explorer > Explore Layers.
• On the Explorer toolbar, click the Explore Layers tool ( ).
• Type explayers and then press Enter.
2 From the Layer Name list, select the layer that you want to delete.
If that layer is the current layer, layer 0 automatically becomes the current layer.
3 Choose Edit > Delete, or click the Delete tool ( ).
4 From the dialog box, click the Change option and then select the layer to which
you want to relocate entities.

Delete a layer and its entities.

In the command bar, type LAYDEL, then select an entity that is assigned the layer
you want to delete. Using this method also deletes all entities assigned the layer.

Purging elements
From within IntelliCAD Explorer, you can eliminate unused blocks, layers, line-
types, text styles, or dimension styles from your drawing file. Purging unused ele-
ments can significantly reduce the drawing file size.

To purge an element
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > IntelliCAD Explorer.
• On the Tools toolbar, click the IntelliCAD Explorer tool ( ).
• Type explayers and then press Enter.
2 Select the element from which you want to purge unreferenced elements.
3 Choose Edit > Purge, or click the Purge tool ( ).
184 CHAPTER 8

Organizing information on layers

Understanding layers
Layers in IntelliCAD are like the transparent overlays you use in manual drafting.
You use layers to organize different types of drawing information. In IntelliCAD,
each entity in a drawing exists on a layer. When you draw an entity, it is created on
the current layer.
You can control the visibility of layers in individual viewports. When you turn a layer
off, entities drawn on that layer are no longer visible, and they do not print. Although
a layer may be invisible, you can still select it as the current layer, in which case new
entities are also invisible until you turn the layer back on. Entities on invisible layers
can also affect the display and printing of entities on other layers. For example, enti-
ties on invisible layers can hide other entities when you use the Hide command to
remove hidden lines.
You can also freeze and thaw layers. Entities drawn on frozen layers do not display,
do not print, and do not regenerate. When you freeze a layer, its entities do not affect
the display or printing of other entities. For example, entities on frozen layers do not
hide other entities when you use the Hide command to remove hidden lines. In addi-
tion, you cannot draw on a frozen layer until you thaw it, and you cannot make a fro-
zen layer current.
You cannot freeze the current layer. If you attempt to freeze the current layer, a dia-
log box appears prompting you to specify a different layer. You also cannot freeze or
thaw a viewport layer unless you are working in a Layout tab.
You can lock or unlock layers. The entities on a locked layer are still visible and will
print, but you cannot edit them. Locking a layer prevents you from accidentally mod-
ifying entities.
Each layer has its own properties, such as color, linetype, lineweight, transparency,
print visibility, and more. For drawings that use named print styles, layers can also
have their own print style. Entities you draw on a particular layer are displayed in the
color, linetype, and lineweight associated with that layer unless you override these
settings. You control all of the associated settings for layers using the Layers element
in the IntelliCAD Explorer. You can also access layer settings for entities using the
Entity Properties toolbar.
Some drawings contain large lists of layers, in which case you can search for layers
by name, or you can organize layers into subsets using layer filters. Layer states are
also useful for drawings that contain many layers. With layer states, you can assign
properties to individual layers and save them in a layer state, then apply those settings
at any time.
 WORKING WITH INTELLICAD EXPLORER 185

Displaying layer information in IntelliCAD Explorer

To display layer information
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Format > Explore Layers.
• Choose Tools > IntelliCAD Explorer > Explore Layers.
• On the Tools toolbar, click the IntelliCAD Explorer tool ( ).
• On the Explorer toolbar, click the Explore Layers tool ( ).
• Type explayers and then press Enter.
2 If desired, view information for only certain layers by doing one of the following:
• On the toolbar, type the name of the desired layers, including wildcards, and
press Enter.
• In the list of layer filters, select All Used Layers to display only those layers that
are used in the drawing.
• In the list of layer filters, select an existing group filter or properties filter.
For details about filtering and searching layers, see “Filtering and finding layers”
on page 188 in this chapter.
186 CHAPTER 8

DE F G H I J K L M N O
A Click to display layer settings. H Displays the linetype assigned to each layer.
B Select to display all layers or a filtered subset. I Indicates the visibility status of each layer.
C Click a column title to sort by category. J Indicates the locked or unlocked status of each layer.
D Double-click to collapse or expand layer filters or simply drag to move. K Indicates the frozen or thawed status of each layer for all viewports.
E Click to collapse or expand layer filters. L Indicates the lineweight assigned to each layer.
F Lists named layers in the current drawing. The list contains all layers or M Indicates the transparency assigned to each layer.
a subset if viewing by filter or only used layers. A check mark indicates N Indicates the print style assigned to each layer.
the current layer.
O Indicates the print status of each layer.
G Displays the color assigned to each layer.

Creating and naming layers

You can create an unlimited number of layers in every drawing and use those layers
for organizing information. When you create a new layer, it is initially assigned the
color white (or black, depending on your system settings) and the linetype CONTIN-
UOUS. By default, a new layer is also visible. After you create and name a layer, you
can change its color, linetype, visibility, and other properties.
 WORKING WITH INTELLICAD EXPLORER 187

To create a new layer

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Format > Explore Layers.
• Choose Tools > IntelliCAD Explorer > Explore Layers.
• On the Explorer toolbar, click the Explore Layers tool ( ).
• Type explayers and then press Enter.
2 Do one of the following:
• Choose Edit > New > Layer.
• Click the New Item tool ( ).
A new layer is added to the Layer Name list, with the default name NewLayer1.
3 Type a name for the new layer over the highlighted default name, and then press Enter.
4 To complete the command and return to your drawing, close the window.

To change a layer name in the current drawing

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Format > Explore Layers.
• Choose Tools > IntelliCAD Explorer > Explore Layers.
• On the Explorer toolbar, click the Explore Layers tool ( ).
• Type explayers and then press Enter.
2 In the Layer Name list, select the layer you want to rename.
3 Do one of the following:
• Choose Edit > Rename, type a new name, and then press Enter.
• Highlight the layer name you want to change, type a new name, and then press
Enter.
• Right-click the layer name you want to change, and from the shortcut menu,
select Rename, type a new name, and then press Enter.
4 To complete the command and return to your drawing, close the window.

The layer named “0” is reserved.

You cannot rename it.
188 CHAPTER 8

Filtering and finding layers

Some drawings contain large lists of layers. To limit the layers that appear in the list,
you can search layers by name (including wildcards) and you can also create layer fil-
ters.
By default, there are two predefined filters. One displays all layers and the other dis-
plays all layers that are used in the drawing.
There are two types of layer filters that you can create:
• Properties filter — Includes layers according to properties that you specify.
• Group filter — Includes layers that you include in the group.

After you create a layer filter, you can turn all of its layers on or off, thaw or freeze
the layers, and lock or unlock the layers. Layer filters can also be inverted, imported,
and exported.
0

B C D E FG H

A Displays the list of layer filters.
B Click to create a new layer property filter.
C Click to create a new layer group filter.
D Click to invert the currently selected layer filter.
E Click to display the Layer States Manager.
F Click to export the currently selected layer filter to an .lft file.
G Click to import a layer filter (.lft file).
H Type a search term, including wildcards, then press Enter to search
layer names.
 WORKING WITH INTELLICAD EXPLORER 189

Searching layers by name

To search for layers by name
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Format > Explore Layers.
• Choose Tools > IntelliCAD Explorer > Explore Layers.
• On the Explorer toolbar, click the Explore Layers tool ( ).
• Type explayers and then press Enter.
2 In the IntelliCAD Explorer toolbar, type the search name, including the following
wildcards:
• * Matches any character or series of characters.
• ? Matches a single character.
• # Matches any numerical character.
• @ Matches any alphabetic character.
• . Matches any character that is not alphabetic or numeric.
• [ ] Matches any of the characters inside the brackets.
• ~ Matches any characters except for those after the tilde.
• [~] Matches any of the characters except for those inside the brackets.
• [-] Matches a range of characters inside the brackets.
• ’ Matches the exact characters located after the quote mark. This is most often
used when searching for layer names that include wildcards, for example,
@Floor or Field#.
3 To view all layers again in the list, delete the search term.
4 Click OK.

Filtering layers by property

Layer property filters include layers according to properties that you specify. For
example, a property filter can display all layers with a dashed linetype, then you can
easily turn those layers on or off.

To create a properties filter

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Format > Explore Layers.
• Choose Tools > IntelliCAD Explorer > Explore Layers.
• On the Explorer toolbar, click the Explore Layers tool ( ).
• Type explayers and then press Enter.
2 Click the Properties Filter tool ( ).
190 CHAPTER 8

Filters can be nested.

To create a sub-filter of an existing filter, right-click the existing filter and choose
New Properties Filter or New Group Filter.

3 Type a name for the filter.

4 Do any of the following in Filter Definition:
• Click the column of an empty row to specify the property to match. All layers
that match the specified properties of any row will be included.
• Click the column of an existing row to specify an additional property that a layer
must match to be included in the filter. All layer properties in a single row must
be matched for the layer to be included.
• Right-click a row and choose Delete Row to delete a row you no longer need.
• Right-click a row and choose Duplicate Row to make a copy of an existing row.
The filter preview displays the layers that will be included in the filter.
5 Click OK.
6 To complete the command and return to your drawing, close the window.

B
C

A Type a name of the new layer properties filter. C Click the column of an empty row to select the
B Click the column of an existing filter to specify an property to match.
additional property that a layer must match to be D Displays the layers that match the settings of the
included in the filter. layer properties filter.
 WORKING WITH INTELLICAD EXPLORER 191

To modify a properties filter

1 In IntelliCAD Explorer, select Layers, then do one of the following:
• To rename a properties filter, select it and type a new name.
• To delete a properties filter, select it and press Delete.
• To change the definition of a properties filter, double-click it.

Use a shortcut.
Right-click a properties filter to modify it.

To modify the layers in a properties filter

1 In IntelliCAD Explorer, select Layers.
2 To change the visibility of all layers in a properties filter, right-click the properties
filter, choose Visibility, then choose one of the following:
• On
• Off
• Thaw
• Freeze
3 To change the accessibility of all layers in a properties filter, right-click the prop-
erties filter, choose Lock, then choose one of the following:
• Lock
• Unlock

Filtering layers by group

Layer group filters include any layer that you select for the group. For example, a
group filter can display all layers that contain text entities, then you can freeze or
thaw those layers as needed.

To create a group filter

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Format > Explore Layers.
• Choose Tools > IntelliCAD Explorer > Explore Layers.
• On the Explorer toolbar, click the Explore Layers tool ( ).
• Type explayers and then press Enter.
2 Click the Group Filter tool ( ).
192 CHAPTER 8

Filters can be nested.

To create a sub-filter of an existing filter, right-click the existing filter and choose
New Properties Filter or New Group Filter.

3 Type a name for the new group filter, then press Enter.
4 To choose layers for the group filter, do one of the following:
• Right-click the group filter, choose Select Layers > Add, then select entities in
your drawing that reside on layers to include in the group. Press Enter when
done. Choose Select Layers > Replace if the group filter has existing layers that
you want to remove before adding new layers.
• Double-click the group filter, then mark and unmark the desired layers.
5 Click OK.
6 To complete the command and return to your drawing, close the window.

Create a group filter by converting an existing property filter.

In IntelliCAD Explorer, view layer filters, right-click a property filter, and choose
Convert to Group Filter.

B C
A Click the circle green to include its layer in the B Displays layers in the drawing.
layer group filter. Click again to exclude it. C Displays the layer description, if available.
 WORKING WITH INTELLICAD EXPLORER 193

To modify a group filter

1 In IntelliCAD Explorer, select Layers, then do one of the following:
• To rename a group filter, select it and type a new name.
• To delete a group filter, select it and press Delete.
• To change the layers included in a group filter, double-click it.
• To select new layers for the group filter directly in the drawing, right-click the
group filter. Choose Select Layers > Add if you want to keep all existing layers
in the group filter and select new ones to add directly in the drawing. Choose
Select Layers > Replace if you want to remove all existing layers from the group
filter and select new ones directly in the drawing.

Use a shortcut.
Right-click a group filter to modify it.

To modify the layers in a group filter

1 In IntelliCAD Explorer, select Layers.
2 To change the visibility of all layers in a group filter, right-click the group filter,
choose Visibility, then choose one of the following:
• On
• Off
• Thaw
• Freeze
3 To change the accessibility of all layers in a group filter, right-click the group fil-
ter, choose Lock, then choose one of the following:
• Lock
• Unlock

Inverting layer filters

Layer filters can be inverted, for example, you can invert the All Used Layers filter to
display a list of all layers that are unused in the drawing.

To invert a layer filter

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Format > Explore Layers.
• Choose Tools > IntelliCAD Explorer > Explore Layers.
• On the Explorer toolbar, click the Explore Layers tool ( ).
• Type explayers and then press Enter.
2 Select a layer filter.
3 Click the Invert Filter tool ( ).
194 CHAPTER 8

4 To complete the command and return to your drawing, close the window.

The filter stays inverted until it’s turned off.

If the contents of a filter look incorrect, it could be because it is inverted.

Importing and exporting layer properties filters

Layer properties filters can be imported and exported as .lst files.

To import layer properties filters

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Format > Explore Layers.
• Choose Tools > IntelliCAD Explorer > Explore Layers.
• On the Explorer toolbar, click the Explore Layers tool ( ).
• Type explayers and then press Enter.
2 Click the Import Layer Filter tool ( ).
3 Navigate to where you want to save the layer filter, type a name, then click Save.
4 To complete the command and return to your drawing, close the window.

To export layer properties filters

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Format > Explore Layers.
• Choose Tools > IntelliCAD Explorer > Explore Layers.
• On the Explorer toolbar, click the Explore Layers tool ( ).
• Type explayers and then press Enter.
2 Select the layer filter you want to export.
3 Click the Export Layer Filter tool ( ).
4 Locate the layer filter (.lft file) and select it.
5 Click Open.
6 To complete the command and return to your drawing, close the window.
 WORKING WITH INTELLICAD EXPLORER 195

Setting the current layer

When you create new entities, they are drawn on the current layer. To draw new enti-
ties on a different layer, you must first make that layer the current layer.

To make a layer current

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Format > Explore Layers.
• Choose Tools > IntelliCAD Explorer > Explore Layers.
• On the Explorer toolbar, click the Explore Layers tool ( ).
• Type explayers and then press Enter.
2 In the Layer Name list, select the layer you want to make current.
3 Do one of the following:
• Choose Edit > Current.
• In the Layer Name list, select the name you want to make current, and then click
the Current tool ( ).
• Double-click the layer name in the Layer Name list.
• Right-click the layer name you want to change, and from the shortcut menu
select Current.
4 To complete the command and return to your drawing, close the window.

To set the current layer to that of an existing entity

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Format > Layer Tools > Set Layer By Entity.
• On the Layer Tools toolbar, click the Set Layer By Entity tool ( ).
• Type setlayer and then press Enter.
2 Select the entity to set the current layer.

Use the command bar.

In the command bar, type LAYBYENT and choose Set or type LAYMCUR, then select
an entity that is assigned the layer you want to be current.

Controlling layer visibility

A layer can be visible or invisible. Entities on invisible layers are not displayed and
do not print. By controlling layer visibility, you can turn off unnecessary information,
such as construction lines or notes. By changing layer visibility, you can put the same
drawing to multiple uses.
196 CHAPTER 8

For example, if you are drawing a floor plan, you can draw the layout of light fixtures
on one layer and the location of plumbing lines on another. By selectively turning
layers on and off, you can print the electrical engineering drawings and the plumbing
drawings from the same drawing file. For even more convenience, you can control
the visibility of layers within individual viewports, so that layers that display in one
viewport are invisible in other viewports in the same drawing.
When you turn a layer off, entities drawn on that layer are no longer visible. When
you turn the layer back on, the entities on that layer are redisplayed.

To turn layers on or off

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Format > Explore Layers.
• Choose Tools > IntelliCAD Explorer > Explore Layers.
• On the Explorer toolbar, click the Explore Layers tool ( ).
• Type explayers and then press Enter.
2 Click in the On/Off column for the layer you want to turn on or off.
3 To complete the command and return to your drawing, close the window.

You can also freeze layers to improve the performance of operations such as zooming
and panning or producing hidden lines or shaded images. When a layer is frozen,
entities drawn on that layer are no longer visible.

Select an entity that is assigned to the layer you want to turn off.
In the command bar, type LAYBYENT and choose Off or type LAYOFF, then select
an entity that is assigned the layer you want to turn off.

Use a shortcut to turn on all layers.

Choose Format > Layer Tools > Turn All Layers On or type LAYON in the command
bar to turn on all layers in a drawing.

To control the visibility of external reference layers and save any changes made to
them in the current drawing, turn on Xref Visibility.

To turn on Xref Layer visibility

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Format > Explore Layers.
• Choose Tools > IntelliCAD Explorer > Explore Layers.
• On the Explorer toolbar, click the Explore Layers tool ( ).
• Type explayers and then press Enter
2 Choose View > Records from Xref Visibility.
 WORKING WITH INTELLICAD EXPLORER 197

Use the system variable.

You can also turn on xref layer visibility by typing visretain to access the system vari-
able.

To freeze or thaw layers

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Format > Explore Layers.
• Choose Tools > IntelliCAD Explorer > Explore Layers.
• On the Explorer toolbar, click the Explore Layers tool ( ).
• Type explayers and then press Enter.
2 Click in the All Viewports column for the layer you want to freeze or thaw.
3 To complete the command and return to your drawing, close the window.

Select an entity that is assigned to the layer you want to freeze.

In the command bar, type LAYBYENT and choose Freeze or type LAYFRZ, and select
an entity that is assigned the layer you want to freeze.

Use a shortcut to thaw all layers.

Choose Format > Layer Tools > Thaw All Layers or type LAYTHW in the command
bar to thaw all layers in a drawing.

Locking and unlocking layers

Locking a layer makes it easy to refer to information contained on the layer, but pre-
vents you from accidentally modifying its entities. When a layer is locked (but visible
and thawed), its entities remain visible, but you cannot edit them. If you lock the cur-
rent layer, you can still add new entities to it. Unlocking a layer restores full editing
capabilities.

To lock or unlock layers

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Format > Explore Layers.
• Choose Tools > IntelliCAD Explorer > Explore Layers.
• On the Explorer toolbar, click the Explore Layers tool ( ).
• Type explayers and then press Enter.
2 Click in the Locked column for the layer you want to lock or unlock.
3 To complete the command and return to your drawing, close the window.
198 CHAPTER 8

Select an entity that is assigned to the layer you want to lock or unlock.
In the command bar, type LAYBYENT and choose Lock or Unlock or type LAYLCK
or LAYULK, then select an entity that is assigned the layer you want to lock or
unlock.

Controlling layer printing

Controlling layer printing is another way you can specify which entities print in your
drawing.
By controlling layer printing, you can turn off unnecessary information during print-
ing. For example, if you are drawing a floor plan, you can draw the layout of light fix-
tures on one layer and the location of plumbing lines on another. By selectively
turning layers on and off when you print, you can print the electrical engineering
drawings and the plumbing drawings from the same drawing file. By changing layer
printing, you can put the same drawing to multiple uses.
When you turn off printing for a layer, entities drawn on that layer are still visible, but
they do not print. If you turn off a layer’s visibility, entities drawn on that layer do not
display or print. Controlling layer printing can be especially helpful if you want layer
visibility on, but do not want to print entities on that layer.
Layer visibility must be turned on in order to print entities drawn on that layer.

To turn layer printing on or off

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Format > Explore Layers.
• Choose Tools > IntelliCAD Explorer > Explore Layers.
• On the Explorer toolbar, click the Explore Layers tool ( ).
• Type explayers and then press Enter.
2 Click in the Print column for the layer you want to turn printing on or off for.

Setting the layer color

Each layer in a drawing is assigned a color. IntelliCAD uses the BYLAYER color as
the default color setting for entity creation so that new entities are drawn in the color
of the layer on which they are inserted (set in the Drawing Settings dialog box).
Using the IntelliCAD Explorer, you can set or change the color assigned to a layer.
With the direct-editing feature, you can click on the color you want to change, and
then select a new color from the dialog box that appears. Changing a layer’s color
automatically changes the color of all entities on that layer with the BYLAYER color.
 WORKING WITH INTELLICAD EXPLORER 199

To change the layer color

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Format > Explore Layers.
• Choose Tools > IntelliCAD Explorer > Explore Layers.
• On the Explorer toolbar, click the Explore Layers tool ( ).
• Type explayers and then press Enter.
2 Click in the Color column for the layer you want to change.
3 In the Color dialog box, select a color on one of the following tabs:
• Index Color — Click BYBLOCK, BYLAYER, or one of the 255 index colors.
You can also type the color number in the Index box.
• True Color — Click a basic color, click a color in the color palette, enter the Hue,
Saturation, and Luminance (HSL) values, or enter the Red, Green, Blue (RGB)
values. There are more than 16 million true colors from which you can choose.
• Color Books — Select a color book from the list, then click a color. You can
select Show Only Color Book Colors Used in Drawing to limit the selection to
only those color book colors that are used in the current drawing. If necessary,
create or edit color books by clicking Color Book Editor. For more details, see
“Using color books” on page 56.
4 Click OK.

Entities don’t have to use the layer’s color.

You can assign a specific color to an entity, which overrides the layer’s color setting.
When you create a new entity, use the Format > Colors > Select Color command to
change the current color. For an existing entity, select the entity, right-click for the
shortcut menu, and choose Properties to change the entity’s color using the Proper-
ties pane.

For more details about using color in the many aspects of your drawing, see “Work-
ing with colors” on page 53.
200 CHAPTER 8

Setting the layer linetype

Each layer uses a default linetype (a repeating pattern of dashes, dots, or blank spaces).
Linetype determines the appearance of entities both on the screen and when printed.
It’s a good idea to assign the BYLAYER linetype to any entities that you draw on that
layer. IntelliCAD uses the BYLAYER linetype as the default linetype setting for
Entity Creation (in the Drawing Settings dialog box).
Using the IntelliCAD Explorer, you can set or change the linetype assigned to a layer.
With the direct-editing feature, you can click on the linetype you want to change, and
then select a new linetype from the dialog box that appears. Changing the linetype
assigned to a layer changes the linetype of all entities drawn on that layer with the
BYLAYER linetype.
Only those linetypes already set in the drawing can be assigned to layers. For more
information about setting additional linetypes, see “Working with linetypes” on page
210 in this chapter.

To change the linetype assigned to one or more layers

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Format > Explore Layers.
• Choose Tools > IntelliCAD Explorer > Explore Layers.
• On the Explorer toolbar, click the Explore Layers tool ( ).
• Type explayers and then press Enter.
2 Click in the Linetype column for the layer you want to change.
3 In the Linetype dialog box, select a new linetype for the layer, or click Browse to
select your linetype file.

Entities don’t have to use the layer’s linetype.

You can also assign a specific linetype to an entity, which overrides the layer’s line-
type setting. When you create a new entity, use the Tools > IntelliCAD Explorer >
Explore Linetypes command to change the current linetype through the IntelliCAD
Explorer. For an existing entity, select the entity, right-click for the shortcut menu,
and choose Properties. You can then modify the entity’s linetype using the Properties
pane.
 WORKING WITH INTELLICAD EXPLORER 201

Setting the layer lineweight

Each layer uses a default lineweight. Lineweights determine the thickness of entities
both on the screen and when printed.
All new layers are assigned the DEFAULT lineweight, which is .25 millimeters or
.01 inches. If you want a different lineweight assigned to a layer, you can easily
change it using IntelliCAD Explorer. For example, you may want different line-
weights on each layer of your drawing to show separate elements, such as walls,
dimensions, structural steel, and electrical plans. Changing the lineweight assigned to
a layer changes the lineweight of all entities drawn on that layer with the BYLAYER
lineweight.
When you create new entities, it’s a good idea to assign the BYLAYER lineweight to
any entities that you draw on that layer, unless you want to override the layer line-
weight. IntelliCAD uses the BYLAYER lineweight as the default lineweight setting
when you create entities (in the Drawing Settings dialog box).

You can change the default lineweight.

To change the DEFAULT lineweight, choose Tools > Drawing Settings, click the
Display tab, select Lineweights in Change Settings For, and then select a new default.

To change the lineweight assigned to one or more layers

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Format > Explore Layers.
• Choose Tools > IntelliCAD Explorer > Explore Layers.
• On the Explorer toolbar, click the Explore Layers tool ( ).
• Type explayers and then press Enter.
2 Click in the Lineweight column for the layer you want to change.
3 In the Lineweight list, select a new lineweight for the layer, then click OK.

Entities don’t have to use the layer’s lineweight.

You can assign a specific lineweight to an entity, which overrides the layer’s line-
weight setting. When you create a new entity, use the Tools > Drawing Settings >
Entity Creation tab to change the current lineweight. For an existing entity, select the
entity, right-click for the shortcut menu, and choose Properties. You can then modify
the entity’s lineweight using the Properties pane.
202 CHAPTER 8

Setting the layer transparency

Each layer uses a transparency value from 0 to 90, where zero is no transparency (reg-
ular visibility) and 90 is the most transparency (almost invisible).
By default, each layer is assigned zero transparency. If you want a different transpar-
ency assigned to a layer, you can easily change it using IntelliCAD Explorer.

To change the transparency assigned to one or more layers

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Format > Explore Layers.
• Choose Tools > IntelliCAD Explorer > Explore Layers.
• On the Explorer toolbar, click the Explore Layers tool ( ).
• Type explayers and then press Enter.
2 Click in the Transparency column for the layer you want to change.
3 Enter a new value for the transparency, then press Enter.
 WORKING WITH INTELLICAD EXPLORER 203

Setting the layer print style

If your drawing uses named print style tables, you can specify a print style for each
layer. Named print style tables contain print styles that you set up to control what enti-
ties look like when they print, without actually changing the entities in the drawing.
If your drawing uses color-dependent print style tables, you cannot specify a print
style for a layer. These types of print style tables automatically determine printing
requirements by the color assigned to a layer or an entity. For details about converting
a drawing that uses color-dependent print style table to use named print style tables,
see “Changing the print style table type of a drawing” on page 441.
In drawings that use named print style tables, the default print style is Normal for all
new layers. If desired, you can assign a print style using IntelliCAD Explorer. Chang-
ing the print style assigned to a layer changes the print style of all entities drawn on
that layer with the BYLAYER print style.
When you create new entities, it’s a good idea to assign the BYLAYER print style to
any entities that you draw on that layer, unless you want to override the layer print
style. IntelliCAD uses the BYLAYER print style as the default print style setting
when you create entities (in the Drawing Settings dialog box).

To change the print style assigned to one or more layers (only in a drawing that
uses named print style tables)
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Format > Explore Layers.
• Choose Tools > IntelliCAD Explorer > Explore Layers.
• On the Explorer toolbar, click the Explore Layers tool ( ).
• Type explayers and then press Enter.
2 Click in the Print Style column for the layer you want to change.
3 If necessary, select a different print style table in the Active Print Style Table list.
4 In Print Styles, select a print style.
5 Click OK.

Entities don’t have to use layer’s print style.

For drawings that use named print style tables, you can also assign a specific print
style to an entity, which overrides the layer’s print style setting. When you create a
new entity, use the Tools > Drawing Settings > Entity Creation tab to change the cur-
rent print style. For an existing entity, select the entity, right-click for the shortcut
menu, and choose Properties. You can then modify the entity’s print style using the
Properties pane.
204 CHAPTER 8

Working with layer states

Layer states are collections of individual layers and their properties. You can restore
layer states at any time, which makes it easy to switch between layer configurations
according to your tasks.
Layer states can also be imported and exported. For example, to quickly create all the
layers you need in a new drawing, create and export a layer state from an existing
drawing that has the layers you need, and then import the layer state to the new draw-
ing.
Layer states are saved in the drawing, including drawing templates and exported or
imported drawings.
For each layer included in a layer state, you can set the following properties:
• Color
• Linetype
• On/Off
• Lock/Unlock
• Freeze/Thaw
• Lineweight
• Transparency
• Print
• New Viewports

Displaying layer states in the Layer States Manager

To display the Layer States Manager
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Format > Layer State Manager.
• Choose Format > Explore Layers, then click the Layer States Manager tool
( ).
• On the Format toolbar, click the Layer States Manager tool ( ).
• Type layerstate and then press Enter.
 WORKING WITH INTELLICAD EXPLORER 205

C M
D
L

E FGH I JK

A Displays layer states.
B Click to hide layer states located in externally
referenced drawings.
C Click to turn off drawing layers that are not in the
selected layer state when it is restored.
D Click to freeze drawing layers in the current viewport
that are not in the selected layer state when it is
restored.
E Click to create a new layer state.
F Click to modify the settings of the selected layer state.
G Click to copy current layer settings from the drawing to
the selected layer state.
H Click to change the name of the selected layer state.
I Click to delete the selected layer state.
J Click to export the selected layer state to an .las file.
K Click to import a layer state (.las file).
L Click to mark all checkboxes.
M Click to remove marks from all checkboxes.
N Select which properties to restore for the selected layer
state.

Creating layer states

In addition to loading predefined linetypes from a linetype library file, you can create
new linetypes. You can save new linetypes you create to a linetype library file for use
in other drawings.

To create a layer state

1 Create all of the layers that you want to be in the layer state.
Although you can modify the layer state layer, first you should set up your draw-
ing with its layers and properties so when you create the layer state, it captures all
206 CHAPTER 8

of the settings. If you don’t want to lose your current layer settings, simply save
them as a layer state that you can restore later.
2 Do one of the following:
• Choose Format > Layer State Manager.
• Choose Format > Explore Layers, then click the Layer States Manager tool
( ).
• On the Format toolbar, click the Layer States Manager tool ( ).
• Type layerstate and then press Enter.
3 Click New.
4 Enter a name and description, then click OK.
5 Click Edit and do any of the following:
• Click any column for any layer to change its setting. The new setting applies
only when this layer state is applied (restored).
• Click the Add Layer tool ( ) and select a layer to add to the layer state.
• Select a layer and click the Delete Layer tool ( ) to remove a layer from the
layer state.
6 Click OK.
7 Click Close.
 WORKING WITH INTELLICAD EXPLORER 207

B C D E F G H I J K L M

A Displays the layers included in the layer state.
Click to select a layer.
B Click to add a layer to the layer state.
C Click to delete the selected layer from the layer
state.
D Click to change a layer’s color for this layer
state only.
E Click to change a layer’s linetype for this layer
state only.
F Click to toggle a layer’s on/off status for this
layer state only.
G Click to toggle a layer’s lock/unlock status for
this layer state only.
H Click to toggle a layer’s freeze/thaw status for
this layer state only.
I Click to change a layer’s lineweight for this
layer state only.
J Click to change a layer’s transparency for this
layer state only.
K Click to change a layer’s print style for this
layer state only.
L Click to change a layer’s print status for this
layer state only.
M Click to change a layer’s visibility in new
viewports for this layer state only.
N Click a column title to sort by category.
208 CHAPTER 8

Applying a layer state

To apply the settings of a layer state
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Format > Layer State Manager.
• Choose Format > Explore Layers, then click the Layer States Manager tool
( ).
• On the Format toolbar, click the Layer States Manager tool ( ).
• Type layerstate and then press Enter.
2 Select the layer state to apply.
3 Layer states by design don’t always contain all layers of a drawing. Make selec-
tions for the following:
• Layers not found in state are turned off — After the layer state is applied, the only
layers that will be turned on are those that are included in the layer state. If
unmarked, the on/off status of unmatched layers is not changed.
• Layers not found in state are frozen in current viewport — After the layer state is
applied, the only layers that will be thawed in the current viewport are those that
are included in the layer state. If unmarked, the freeze/thaw statuses of
unmatched layers are not changed.
4 In Layer Properties to Restore, mark which properties of all layers included in the
layer state to apply. If a property is not marked, that property will not be applied
for matching layers.
5 Click Restore.

Displaying layer states in IntelliCAD Explorer

To display layer states
Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > IntelliCAD Explorer > Explore Layer States.
• On the Explorer toolbar, click the Explore Layer States tool ( ).
• Type explayerstates and then press Enter.
• Choose Tools > IntelliCAD Explorer, and then click the Layer States element.

Importing and exporting layer states from files

Layer states can be imported and exported as .las files. Exporting layer states from
one drawing and importing them in a new drawing is a quick way to create all the
new layers you need for the new drawing.
 WORKING WITH INTELLICAD EXPLORER 209

To import a layer state from a file

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Format > Layer State Manager.
• Choose Format > Explore Layers, then click the Layer States Manager tool
( ).
• On the Format toolbar, click the Layer States Manager tool ( ).
• Type layerstate and then press Enter.
2 Click Open.
3 Select the .las file to import.
4 Click Import.

To export a layer state to a file

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Format > Layer State Manager.
• Choose Format > Explore Layers, then click the Layer States Manager tool
( ).
• On the Format toolbar, click the Layer States Manager tool ( ).
• Type layerstate and then press Enter.
2 Select the layer state to export.
3 Click Export.
4 Enter a name for the .las file.
5 Click OK.
210 CHAPTER 8

Working with linetypes

Linetypes are sequences of alternating line segments, dots, and blank spaces that
affect the appearance of a line.

Understanding linetypes
IntelliCAD provides simple and complex linetypes:
• A simple linetype consists of a repeating pattern of dots, dashes, or blank spaces.
• A complex linetype contains embedded shape and text entities along with
dots, dashes, and spaces.
You can use different linetypes to represent specific kinds of information. For exam-
ple, if you are drawing a site plan, you can draw roads using a continuous linetype, a
fence using a using a linetype of dashes with square posts, or a gas line using a com-
plex linetype showing the text “GAS”.

By default, every drawing has at least three linetypes: CONTINUOUS, BYLAYER,

and BYBLOCK. You cannot rename or delete these linetypes. Your drawing may
also contain an unlimited number of additional linetypes. You can load more line-
types into the program from a linetype library file or create and save linetypes you
define.

Displaying linetype information in IntelliCAD Explorer

To display the IntelliCAD Explorer Linetypes element
Do one of the following:
 WORKING WITH INTELLICAD EXPLORER 211

• Choose Tools > IntelliCAD Explorer > Explore Linetypes.

• On the Explorer toolbar, click the Explore Linetypes tool ( ).
• Type expltypes and then press Enter.

B C D

A Click to display linetype settings. C Describes linetypes loaded in the current drawing.
B Lists names of linetypes loaded in the current drawing. A check D Shows how linetypes will appear in the drawing.
mark indicates the current linetype. E Click a column title to sort by category.

Setting the current linetype

You normally draw an entity using the linetype assigned to the current layer, indi-
cated as BYLAYER. You can also assign linetypes on a per-entity basis, which over-
rides the layer’s linetype setting. A third option is to assign the BYBLOCK linetype,
whereby you draw new entities using the default linetype until you group them into a
block. The entities inherit the current linetype setting when you insert the block into
the drawing.
212 CHAPTER 8

To make the linetype current

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > IntelliCAD Explorer > Explore Linetypes.
• On the Explorer toolbar, click the Explore Linetypes tool ( ).
• Type expltypes and then press Enter.
2 In the Linetype Name list, select the linetype you want to make current.
3 Do one of the following:
• Choose Edit > Current.
• Select it in the Linetype Name list and click the Current tool ( ).
• Double-click the linetype name.
4 To complete the command and return to your drawing, close the window.

Use the status bar.

On the status bar, right-click on the word BYLAYER for the current linetype, click
Properties, and then choose the linetype that you want to make current.

Loading additional linetypes

Before you can select a new linetype to use in a drawing, you must either create the
linetype definition or load a predefined linetype from a linetype library file (*.lin).
IntelliCAD includes a linetype library file, icad.lin, which contains more than 100
predefined linetypes.

To load a new linetype from a linetype library

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > IntelliCAD Explorer > Explore Linetypes.
• On the Explorer toolbar, click the Explore Linetypes tool ( ).
• Type expltypes and then press Enter.
2 Using one of the following methods, open the New Linetype dialog box:
• Choose Edit > New > Linetype.
• Click the New Item tool ( ).
• With the cursor in the right side of the window, right-click to display the
shortcut menu, and then choose New > Linetype.
3 Select the linetype to load.
4 If necessary, click Browse to choose a different linetype library file that contains
the linetype definitions you want to load.
5 Click OK.
 WORKING WITH INTELLICAD EXPLORER 213

A E
D

A Displays the name of the current linetype library D Click a column title to sort by category.
file that contains the linetype definitions from E Click to open a different linetype library file that
which you can choose. contains the linetypes you want to choose.
B Click to select and load a linetype.
C Click to create a new linetype definition for the
current linetype library file.

Creating and naming linetypes

In addition to loading predefined linetypes from a linetype library file, you can create
new linetypes. You can save new linetypes you create to a linetype library file for use
in other drawings.

Creating a new simple linetype

To create a new simple linetype
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > IntelliCAD Explorer > Explore Linetypes.
• On the Explorer toolbar, click the Explore Linetypes tool ( ).
• Type expltypes and then press Enter.
2 Using one of the following methods, open the New Linetype dialog box:
• Choose Edit > New > Linetype.
• Click the New Item tool ( ).
• With your cursor in the right side of the window, right-click to display the
shortcut menu, and choose New > Linetype.
3 Click New.
214 CHAPTER 8

4 Type the name of the line linetype. Do not use spaces between words in the new
linetype name.
5 If necessary, in Linetype File Name, specify a different linetype library file to
which you want to add the new linetype.
6 In Linetype Description, type the linetype description.
You can type anything in this field that will help you remember the purpose or
appearance of this linetype. For example, it is helpful to type text or symbols such
as __..__.. that approximate the appearance of the linetype.
7 In Linetype Definition, type the linetype definition.
The definition consists of positive and negative numbers separated by commas. A
positive number draws a solid line segment for the specified number of drawing
units; a negative number creates a gap for the specified number of units; a zero
creates a dot.
8 Click OK.

A
B D

A Type a name of the new linetype.
B Enter the path to the linetype library file to which
you want to add the new linetype.
C Type any description in this box that helps you
remember the purpose or appearance of the
linetype.
D Type the definition of the linetype, consisting of
positive and negative numbers separated by
commas.
E Click to browse and select a different linetype
library file.
 WORKING WITH INTELLICAD EXPLORER 215

Creating a new complex linetype

To create a new complex linetype
A complex linetype can denote utilities, boundaries, contours, and so on. As with
simple linetypes, complex lines are dynamically drawn as the user specifies vertices.
Shapes and text entities embedded in lines are always displayed completely; they are
never trimmed.
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > IntelliCAD Explorer > Explore Linetypes.
• On the Explorer toolbar, click the Explore Linetypes tool ( ).
• Type expltypes and then press Enter.
2 Using one of the following methods, open the New Linetype dialog box:
• Choose Edit > New > Linetype.
• Click the New Item tool ( ).
• With your cursor in the right side of the window, right-click to display the shortcut
menu, and choose New > Linetype.
3 Click New.
4 Type the name of the line linetype. Do not use spaces between words in the new
linetype name.
5 In Linetype Description, type the linetype description.
You can type anything in this field that will help you remember the purpose or
appearance of this linetype. For complex linetypes, it is helpful to type a text
description of the linetype.
6 In Linetype Definition, type the linetype definition.
As for the simple linetypes, the syntax for a complex linetype is a comma delimi-
nated list of pattern descriptors. For more details, see “Syntax for a complex line-
type definition” on page 215 in this chapter.
7 Click OK.

Syntax for a complex linetype definition

Complex linetypes can include shape and text entities as pattern descriptors, as well
as the dash and dot descriptors of simple linetypes.

The shape descriptor syntax

You can add a shape entity to a complex linetype using the following syntax:
[shape_name, shape_filename] or [shape_name, shape_filename, transform]
216 CHAPTER 8

The definitions of the fields in the syntax are as follows.

shape_name

The name of the shape to add to the linetype. The shape name must exist in the
specified shape file (shape_filename).
shape_filename

The name of a compiled shape definition file (extension *.shx). If no path is

defined for the shape file name, the library path is searched for the file.
transform

The transform argument is optional and can be any series of the following (each
preceded by a comma):
R=value Relative rotation
A=value Absolute rotation
S=value Scale
X=value X offset
Y=value Y offset
In this syntax, value represents a signed decimal number. The rotation is expressed
in degrees while the other options are in linetype scaled drawing units.
rotation

R=value or A=value
R= determines a relative or tangential rotation with respect to the line’s elabora-
tion.
A= determines an absolute rotation of the shape with respect to the origin. All
shapes have the same rotation regardless of their relative position to the line. The
value can be appended with a d for degrees (default), r for radians, or g for grads.
If rotation is omitted, 0 relative rotation is used.
scale

S=value
Determines a factor by which the shape's internal scale is multiplied. If the shape's
internal scale is 0, the scale value is used as the scale.
X offset

X=value
Determines a shift of the shape along the X axis of the linetype computed from the
end of the linetype definition vertex. If X offset is omitted or is 0, the shape is
 WORKING WITH INTELLICAD EXPLORER 217

elaborated with no offset. Include this field if you want a continuous line with
shapes. This value is not scaled by the scale factor defined by S.
Y offset

Y=value
Determines a shift of the shape along the Y axis of the linetype computed from the
end of the linetype definition vertex. If Y offset is omitted or 0, the shape is elabo-
rated with no offset. This value is not scaled by the scale factor defined by S.

The text descriptor syntax

You can add a text entity to a complex linetype using the following syntax:
["string", style_name] or ["string", style_name, transform]

The definitions of the fields in the syntax are as follows.

string

The text to be used in the complex linetype. You cannot use the ` or the " charac-
ters in the text string. To use these characters, enter a control code (%%) with the
ASCII value for the character instead.
style_name

The name of the text style to be elaborated. The specified text style must be
included. If it is omitted, use the currently defined style.
transform

The transform argument is optional and can be any series of the following (each
preceded by a comma):
R=value Relative rotation
A=value Absolute rotation
S=value Scale
X=value X offset
Y=value Y offset
In this syntax, value represents a signed decimal number. The rotation is expressed
in degrees while the other options are in linetype scaled drawing units.
rotation

R=value or A=value
R= determines a relative or tangential rotation with respect to the line’s elabora-
tion.
A= determines an absolute rotation of the text with respect to the origin. All text
has the same rotation regardless of its relative position to the line. The value can
218 CHAPTER 8

be appended with a d for degrees (default), r for radians, or g for grads. If rotation
is omitted, 0 relative rotation is used.
Rotation is centered between the baseline and the nominal cap heights box.
scale

S=value
Determines a factor by which the style's height is multiplied. If the style's height is
0, the scale value is used as the scale.
Because the final height of the text is defined by both the scale value and the
height assigned to the text style, you will achieve more predictable results by set-
ting the text style height to 0. It is recommended that you create separate text
styles for text in complex linetypes to avoid conflicts with other text in your draw-
ing.
X offset

X=value
Determines a shift of the text along the X axis of the linetype computed from the
end of the linetype definition vertex. If X offset is omitted or is 0, the text is elab-
orated by using the lower left corner of the text as the offset. Include this field if
you want a continuous line with text. This value is not scaled by the scale factor
that is defined by S.
Y offset

Y=value
Determines a shift of the text along the Y axis of the linetype computed from the
end of the linetype definition vertex. If Y offset is omitted or is 0, the text is elab-
orated by using the lower left corner of the text as the offset. This value is not
scaled by the scale factor that is defined by S.

Modifying linetypes
To change a linetype name
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > IntelliCAD Explorer > Explore Linetypes.
• On the Explorer toolbar, click the Explore Linetypes tool ( ).
• Type expltypes and then press Enter.
2 Do one of the following:
• Select the linetype, and then choose Edit > Rename.
• Click the linetype name you want to change, and then type the new name.
• Right-click the linetype name you want to change, and from the shortcut menu,
select Rename.
3 To complete the command and return to your drawing, close the window.
 WORKING WITH INTELLICAD EXPLORER 219

The linetypes named CONTINUOUS, BYBLOCK, and BYLAYER are reserved.

You cannot rename them.

Working with text styles

A text style is a named, saved collection of format settings that determines the
appearance of text.

Understanding text styles

When you add text to a drawing, it is created using the current text style. The text
style determines the font, size, angle, orientation, and other text characteristics.
Every drawing has at least one text style, named Standard, which initially uses the txt
font. You cannot delete the Standard style, but you can rename it or modify it. For
example, you can change the font or the oblique angle applied to the font. You also
can use an unlimited number of additional text styles in your drawing.
From the IntelliCAD Explorer, you can directly edit any setting associated with a text
style by using the single-click editing method to change the setting.

Displaying text style information in IntelliCAD Explorer

To display the IntelliCAD Explorer Text Styles element
Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > IntelliCAD Explorer > Explore Text Styles.
• On the Explorer toolbar, click the Explore Text Styles tool ( ).
• Type expstyles and then press Enter.
220 CHAPTER 8

B C D E F G H I J K L

A Click to display text style settings.
B Lists names of text styles defined in the current drawing. A check mark
indicates the current style.
C Displays the height for the text style; you can type a new height.
D Displays the width factor for the text style; you can type a new width
factor.
E Displays the oblique angle for the text style; you can enter a new
oblique angle.
F Displays the font on which the style is based; you can select a new
font.
G Displays the font style, such as bold or italic; you can select a new font M Click a column title to sort by category.
style.
H Displays the language on which the text style is based; you can select
a new language.
I Displays whether Asian language big font files are used (for .shx file
fonts only).
J Indicates whether text will appear backward; you can click to turn the
option on or off.
K Indicates whether text will appear upside down; you can click to turn
the option on or off.
L Indicates whether text will appear vertically; you can click to turn the
option on or off.

Creating and naming text styles

Fonts are character sets that consist of letters, numbers, punctuation marks, and sym-
bols. Each font is stored in its own font file. Text styles apply additional formatting to
fonts. You can create multiple text styles based on the same font, changing the vari-
ous characteristics to alter the appearance of the font. To create a new text style, you
assign formatting characteristics to a font.
IntelliCAD uses *.shx font files and provides a selection of fonts. These fonts are
located in the IntelliCAD/Fonts directory. You can also use any font designed to
work with AutoCAD. Many fonts are available from third-party vendors.
 WORKING WITH INTELLICAD EXPLORER 221

To create a new text style

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > IntelliCAD Explorer > Explore Text Styles.
• On the Explorer toolbar, click the Explore Text Styles tool ( ).
• Type expfonts and then press Enter.
2 Do one of the following:
• Choose Edit > New > Text Style.
• Click the New Item tool ( ).
A new style is added to the text styles list with the default name, NewStyle1.
3 Type the name for the new style by typing over the highlighted default text, and
then press Enter.
4 Click the columns for the items you want to change and make your selections for
the new text style.
5 To complete the command, close the window.

To change a text style name in the current drawing

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > IntelliCAD Explorer > Explore Text Styles.
• On the Explorer toolbar, click the Explore Text Styles tool ( ).
• Type expfonts and then press Enter.
2 Do one of the following:
• Select the text style, choose Edit > Rename, type a new name, and then press
Enter.
• Click the text style name you want to change, type a new name, and then press
Enter.
• Right-click the text style name you want to change, and from the shortcut menu,
select Rename, type a new name, and then press Enter.
3 To complete the command and return to your drawing, close the window.

Modifying text styles

A new text style is initially assigned default values for height, width factor, oblique
angle, and other characteristics. You can change these values for both new and exist-
ing text styles. You can also change the font assigned to the text style. If you change
the font or orientation properties of a text style assigned to text previously inserted in
the drawing, all text using that style is regenerated to reflect the changes. Oblique
angle and height, if specified, are given by the style definition when text is created,
but are not updated for existing text when the style is changed.
222 CHAPTER 8

A fixed text height value of 0 allows you to specify the text height at the time you
insert text into the drawing. Any other value sets height of the text to that value; the
program does not prompt for the text height when you insert text into the drawing.
The width factor determines the horizontal scaling of text. A value less than 1 com-
presses the text (for example, 0.75 compresses the text 25 percent); a value greater
than 1 expands the text (for example, 1.50 expands the text 50 percent). The oblique
angle determines the forward or backward slant of text as an angle offset from 90
degrees. Negative values slant text to the left; positive values slant text to the right.

To modify a text style

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > IntelliCAD Explorer > Explore Text Styles.
• On the Explorer toolbar, click the Explore Text Styles tool ( ).
• Type expfonts and then press Enter.
2 Click in the desired column for the text style you want to change, then make the
desired changes.
3 To complete the command, close the IntelliCAD Explorer window.

Setting the current text style

When you insert text in a drawing, the text is created using the current text style. You
can also select a different text style when you create text.

To make the text style current

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > IntelliCAD Explorer > Explore Text Styles.
• On the Explorer toolbar, click the Explore Text Styles tool ( ).
• Type expfonts and then press Enter.
2 In the Text Style Name list, click the style you want to make current.
3 Use one of the following methods to make the style the current style:
• Choose Edit > Current.
• Click the Current tool ( ).
• With the cursor in the right side of the window, right-click to display the
shortcut menu, and choose Current.
4 To complete the command and return to your drawing, close the IntelliCAD
Explorer window.

Use a shortcut.
You can also make a text style current by selecting it in the Text Style Name list and
clicking the Current tool ( ) or by double-clicking the text style name in the Text
Style Name list.
 WORKING WITH INTELLICAD EXPLORER 223

Working with coordinate systems

A coordinate system is a system of points that represents the drawing space in rela-
tion to an origin (0,0,0) and a set of axes that intersect at the origin.

Understanding coordinate systems

When you create entities in a drawing, they are located in relation to the drawing’s
underlying Cartesian coordinate system. Every drawing has a fixed coordinate system
called the World Coordinate System (WCS). You cannot delete or modify the WCS.
Your drawing may contain additional coordinate systems, however, each with its own
0,0,0 origin and orientation. You can create as many user coordinate systems as you
want, and then save and recall them as you need them. You can edit the origin of a
coordinate system from within the IntelliCAD Explorer by single-clicking the origin
coordinates and then typing new coordinates.
For example, you can create a separate user coordinate system (UCS) for each side of
a building. Then, by switching to the UCS for the east side of the building, you can
draw the windows on that side by specifying only their x- and y-coordinates.
You can create and then switch between various user coordinate systems by selecting
Coordinate Systems in the IntelliCAD Explorer.

Displaying coordinate system information in IntelliCAD Explorer

To display the Coordinate Systems element
Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > IntelliCAD Explorer > Explore Coordinate Systems.
• Choose Tools > User Coordinate Systems > Explore Coordinate Systems.
• On the Explorer toolbar, click the Explore Coordinate Systems tool ( ).
224 CHAPTER 8

• Type expucs and then press Enter.

B C D E

A Click to display the coordinate system settings.
B Lists names of coordinate systems defined in the current
drawing. A check mark indicates the current coordinate
system.
C Displays the origin of the coordinate system in relation to
the WCS.
D Displays the x-axis direction of the coordinate system in
relation to the WCS.
E Displays the y-axis direction of the coordinate system in
relation to the WCS.
F Click a column title to sort by category.

Defining and naming user coordinate systems

A drawing can contain as many coordinate systems as you want and can be named
appropriate names so you can remember how they are used in your drawing for
recalling them later.

To define new user coordinate systems in the IntelliCAD Explorer

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > IntelliCAD Explorer > Explore Coordinate Systems.
• On the Explorer toolbar, click the Explore Coordinate Systems tool ( ).
• Type expucs and then press Enter.
2 Do one of the following:
• Choose Edit > New > UCS.
• Click the New Item tool ( ).
• With your cursor in the right side of the window, right-click to display the
shortcut menu, and choose New > UCS.
 WORKING WITH INTELLICAD EXPLORER 225

3 Select a method from the prompt box or command bar by which to define the UCS
in the drawing window.
For example, select 3 Point and then specify three points in the drawing window
to define the x, y, and z axes for your coordinate system.
4 Type the name for the new user coordinate system by typing over the highlighted
default text, and then press Enter.
5 To complete the command, close the window.

To change a user coordinate system name in the current drawing

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > IntelliCAD Explorer > Explore Coordinate Systems.
• On the Explorer toolbar, click the Explore Coordinate Systems tool ( ).
• Type expucs and then press Enter.
2 Do one of the following:
• Select the user coordinate system, and then choose Edit > Rename, type a new
name, and then press Enter.
• Click the user coordinate system name you want to change, type a new name,
and then press Enter.
• Right-click the user coordinate system name you want to change, and from the
shortcut menu, select Rename, type a new name, and then press Enter.
3 To complete the command and return to your drawing, close the window.

Setting the current user coordinate system

When you draw new entities, they are created in relation to the current coordinate
system. You can set the current UCS from the IntelliCAD Explorer.

To set the current UCS from the IntelliCAD Explorer

Do one of the following:
• Double-click the UCS name in the UCS Name list.
• Select the UCS in the UCS Name list, and then choose Edit > Current.
• Select the UCS in the UCS Name list, and then click the Current tool ( ).
226 CHAPTER 8

Using named views

As you work on a drawing, you may find that you frequently switch among different
portions of it. For example, if you are drawing the floor plan of a house, you may
zoom in to particular rooms of the house and then zoom out to display the entire
house. Although you can repeat the Pan and Zoom commands to do this, it is much
easier to save various views of the drawing as named views. You can then quickly
switch among these views. You can save and later restore named views using either
the View command or the Views element in the IntelliCAD Explorer.

Displaying views in the IntelliCAD Explorer

To display views in the IntelliCAD Explorer
Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Explore Views.
• On the Explorer toolbar, click the Explore Views tool ( ).
• Type expviews and then press Enter.
Choose Tools > IntelliCAD Explorer, and then click the Views element.

B C D E
A Click to display view settings. D Displays the width of the view in drawing units.
B Lists names of views defined in the current drawing. E Displays the direction of the view, expressed as a three-
A check mark indicates the current view. dimensional coordinate in the WCS.
C Displays the height of the view in drawing units. F Click a column title to sort by category.
 WORKING WITH INTELLICAD EXPLORER 227

Saving and naming views

You can save the view displayed in the current window as a named view. After you
save a named view, you can restore that view in the current window at any time.

To save the current view as a named view

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose View > View Manager.
• On the View toolbar, click the View Manager tool ( ).
• Type view and then press Enter.
2 Click New.
3 In Name, type a name for the view, and then click OK.
4 To complete the command and return to your drawing, close the window.

To save a portion of the current view as a named view

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > IntelliCAD Explorer > Explore Views.
• On the Explorer toolbar, click the Explore Views tool ( ).
• Type expviews and then press Enter.
2 Do one of the following:
• Choose Edit > New > View.
• On the IntelliCAD Explorer toolbar, click the New Item tool ( ).
3 In the prompt box, choose Window.
4 Specify the first corner of the view window.
5 Specify the opposite corner of the view window.
6 Rename the new view, and then press Enter.
Do not use spaces between words in the new view name.
7 To complete the command and return to your drawing, close the window.
228 CHAPTER 8

To change a saved view name in the current drawing

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > IntelliCAD Explorer > Explore Views.
• On the Explorer toolbar, click the Explore Views tool ( ).
• Type expviews and then press Enter.
2 Do one of the following:
• Select the view, choose Edit > Rename, type a new name, and then press Enter.
• Click the view name you want to change, type a new name, and then press Enter.
• Right-click the view name you want to change, and from the shortcut menu,
select Rename, type a new name, and then press Enter.
3 To complete the command and return to your drawing, close the window.

Restoring named views

After you save one or more named views, you can restore any of those views in the
current window using either the View command or the IntelliCAD Explorer.

To restore a named view using the View command

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose View > View Manager.
• On the View toolbar, click the View Manager tool ( ).
• Type view and then press Enter.
2 Select the view you want to restore.
3 Click Set Current.

To restore a named view from the IntelliCAD Explorer

Do one of the following:
• Select the view name in the list of View settings, and then choose Edit > Current.
• Select the view name in the list of View settings, and then click the Current tool
( ).
• Double-click the view name in the View list.

Changing named view properties

Once you create a named view you can modify its properties, such as the target direc-
tion and twist angle. This gives you access to many of the view settings after a view
has been defined. Some properties are available directly in IntelliCAD Explorer,
while others are available in the Views Manager.
 WORKING WITH INTELLICAD EXPLORER 229

To change the view options

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Explore Views.
• On the Explorer toolbar, click the Explore Views tool ( ).
• Type expviews and then press Enter.
2 Click in the Height, Width, or Target Direction column for the view you want to
change, and then make the changes.
3 To make additional changes, click the View Manager tool ( ), change the
desired settings, and then close the dialog box.
4 To complete the command and return to your drawing, close the window.

Working with layouts

Each drawing that you create contains the area where you do most of your work on
the Model tab and can also contain numerous layouts on Layout tabs that simulate the
paper on which you will print a copy of the drawing.
Using IntelliCAD Explorer, you can manage the layouts in a drawing, assign a page
setup, and you can also easily copy layouts to be reused in other drawings.
Making a layout active in IntelliCAD Explorer is the equivalent of clicking its corre-
sponding tab in the drawing window.

Displaying layouts in the IntelliCAD Explorer

To display layouts in the IntelliCAD Explorer
Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Explore Layouts.
• On the Explorer toolbar, click the Explore Layouts tool ( ).
• Type explayouts and then press Enter.
• Choose Tools > IntelliCAD Explorer, and then click the Views element.
230 CHAPTER 8

B C D
A Click to display layouts and their settings. D Click to view or specify the currently assigned page setup
B Lists names of layouts defined in the current drawing. for the corresponding layout.
A check mark indicates the current layout. E Click a column title to sort by category.
C Displays the name of the block to which the layout belongs.

Creating and naming layouts

Each drawing can contain one layout for the model and up to 255 other layouts.

To create a new layout

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > IntelliCAD Explorer > Explore Layouts.
• On the Explorer toolbar, click the Explore Layouts tool ( ).
• Type explayouts and then press Enter.
2 Do one of the following:
• Choose Edit > New > Layout.
• Click the New Item tool ( ).
A new layout is added to the layouts list with a default name.
3 Type the name for the new layout by typing over the highlighted default text, and
then press Enter.
4 To complete the command, close the window.
 WORKING WITH INTELLICAD EXPLORER 231

To change a layout name using IntelliCAD Explorer

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > IntelliCAD Explorer > Explore Layouts.
• On the Explorer toolbar, click the Explore Layouts tool ( ).
• Type explayouts and then press Enter.
2 Do one of the following:
• Select the layout, choose Edit > Rename, type a new name, and then press Enter.
• Click the layout name you want to change, type a new name, and then press
Enter.
• Right-click the layout name you want to change, and from the shortcut menu,
select Rename, type a new name, and then press Enter.
3 To complete the command and return to your drawing, close the window.

Specifying page setup options for a layout

Each layout can have its own page setup assigned to it. This enables you to accommo-
date unique print settings for each layout. If some layouts use the same print settings,
those layouts can be assigned the same page setup.
Assigning a page setup to a model or layout doesn’t mean it will always print with the
specified settings. All of the print settings specified for a page setup can be overrid-
den at print time.
For more details about page setups, see “Working with page setups” on page 421.

To assign a page setup to a layout

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > IntelliCAD Explorer > Explore Layouts.
• On the Explorer toolbar, click the Explore Layouts tool ( ).
• Type explayouts and then press Enter.
2 Click in the Page Setup column for the desired layout.
3 Select the desired page setup, click Set Current, then click Close.
4 To complete the command, close the IntelliCAD Explorer window.
232 CHAPTER 8

To modify the settings of an assigned page setup

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > IntelliCAD Explorer > Explore Layouts.
• On the Explorer toolbar, click the Explore Layouts tool ( ).
• Type explayouts and then press Enter.
2 Click in the Page Setup column for the desired layout.
3 Select the page setup that requires changes, then click Modify.
4 Select the new options, then click OK.
5 If necessary, select the page setup that you want to assign to the layout, then click
Set Current.
6 Click Close.
7 To complete the command, close the IntelliCAD Explorer window.

Working with blocks

Blocks represent a special type of entity that, once saved, can be inserted and manip-
ulated in the drawing as a single entity.

Understanding blocks
A block can consist of visible entities such as lines, arcs, and circles as well as visible
or invisible data called attributes. You can use attributes to track things such as part
numbers and prices and to export attribute information to an external database. You
can also track the number of parts by counting the number of times a block has been
inserted into the drawing. Blocks are stored as part of the drawing file.
External references have similar uses to blocks. Using external references, you can
attach entire drawings to your current drawing. Unlike a block, however, an external
reference does not become part of the current drawing.
You can save blocks in the IntelliCAD Explorer. You can also use the IntelliCAD
Explorer to manage and insert copies of blocks. The IntelliCAD Explorer lists the
names of all blocks contained in the current drawing, along with other information
about each block or external reference.
You can also rename a block, modify its insertion point, and change the path of an
externally referenced drawing by single-clicking on the property and making your
edits within the IntelliCAD Explorer.
 WORKING WITH INTELLICAD EXPLORER 233

Displaying block information in IntelliCAD Explorer

To display blocks in the IntelliCAD Explorer
Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > IntelliCAD Explorer > Explore Blocks.
• On the Explorer toolbar, click the Explore Blocks tool ( ).
• Type expblocks and then press Enter.
The Blocks element in the IntelliCAD Explorer defaults with icons on. The Icons
view shows you a small image of each block.

The Images view shows an image of each block in the selected drawing. Click an image to select it.

When blocks are displayed, additional tools on the Block toolbar provide the func-
tions described in the following table:

Additional tools on the Block toolbar

Tool Function
( ) Icons Displays an image of each block.

( ) Details Displays information about each block.

( ) Insert Inserts a block.

234 CHAPTER 8

Additional tools on the Block toolbar

Tool Function

( ) Insert External File Block Inserts a drawing available from disk as a block.

( ) Save Block Saves the selected block as an independent.dwg file.

( ) Edit Block Reference Redefines the definition of a block.

To see more information about each block, click the Details tool ( ). In the Details
view, you can edit the path and the insertion point by clicking the setting and typing
your changes.

B C D

A Click to display block settings. D Displays the insertion point of the block in the current
B Lists names of blocks defined in the current drawing. drawing.
C Displays the number of occurrences of the block in the E Click a column title to sort by category.
current drawing.
 WORKING WITH INTELLICAD EXPLORER 235

Creating and naming blocks

You can combine any number of entities into a single block. After you create a block,
you can insert copies of it into a drawing. Each block insertion is treated as a single
entity; for example, you can rotate or scale each block when you insert it. The program
adds the name of the new block you insert to the Block Name list in the IntelliCAD
Explorer.

To create a block
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > IntelliCAD Explorer > Explore Blocks.
• On the Explorer toolbar, click the Explore Blocks tool ( ).
• Type expblocks and then press Enter.
2 Do one of the following:
• Choose Edit > New > Block.
• On the IntelliCAD Explorer toolbar, click the New Item tool ( ).
3 Enter a name for the new block.
4 Specify the insertion point for the block.
5 Select the entities to be combined into the block, and then press Enter.
The program adds a new block to the blocks list, with the name you entered for it.
6 To complete the command and return to your drawing, close the window.

To change a block name in the current drawing

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > IntelliCAD Explorer > Explore Blocks.
• On the Explorer toolbar, click the Explore Blocks tool ( ).
• Type expblocks and then press Enter.
2 Do one of the following:
• Select the block, choose Edit > Rename, type a new name, and then press Enter.
• Click the block name you want to change, type a new name, and then press
Enter.
• Right-click the block name you want to change, and from the shortcut menu,
select Rename, type a new name, and then press Enter.
3 To complete the command and return to your drawing, close the window.
236 CHAPTER 8

Inserting a block
You can insert into a drawing any block listed in the Block Name list in the Intelli-
CAD Explorer. This includes blocks contained within any open drawing.

To insert a block
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > IntelliCAD Explorer > Explore Blocks.
• On the Explorer toolbar, click the Explore Blocks tool ( ).
• Type expblocks and then press Enter.
2 If you want to insert a block from another open drawing, select the drawing in the
left side of the IntelliCAD Explorer window. (If the block is contained within the
same drawing, you can skip this step.)
3 Select the block to be inserted.
4 On the IntelliCAD Explorer toolbar, click the Insert tool ( ).
5 In the drawing, specify the insertion point.
6 Specify the x, y, and z scale factor and the rotation angle, or in the prompt box,
select Done.
7 To complete the command and return to your drawing, close the window.

Use a shortcut.
You can insert a block by choosing Tools > IntelliCAD Explorer, and then double-
clicking the name of the block you want to insert in the Block Name list. And, you can
also insert a block from the Insert menu, see Chapter 13, “Working with other files in
your drawings.”

Inserting a drawing as a block

You can insert another drawing as a block into the current drawing. After you do this,
the block name is added to the Block Name list in the IntelliCAD Explorer. Changes
made later to the inserted drawing will not be reflected in this drawing.

To insert a drawing as a block

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > IntelliCAD Explorer > Explore Blocks.
• On the Explorer toolbar, click the Explore Blocks tool ( ).
• Type expblocks and then press Enter.
2 On the IntelliCAD Explorer toolbar, click the Insert External File Block tool
( ).
3 In the Insert Block dialog box, select the drawing you want to insert, and then
click Open.
 WORKING WITH INTELLICAD EXPLORER 237

4 In the drawing, specify the insertion point.

5 Specify the x, y, and z scale factor and the rotation angle, or in the prompt box,
select Done.
6 To complete the command and return to your drawing, close the window.

Saving a block as a separate drawing

You can save a block as a separate drawing, and then you can open and modify that
drawing as you would any other drawing.

To save a block as a separate drawing file

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > IntelliCAD Explorer > Explore Blocks.
• On the Explorer toolbar, click the Explore Blocks tool ( ).
• Type expblocks and then press Enter.
2 Select the block you want to save.
3 On the IntelliCAD Explorer toolbar, click the Save Block tool ( ).
4 In the Save Block dialog box, select the folder in which you want to save the
block.
5 In the File Name field, type a name for the new drawing file (or accept the default,
in which case the new drawing name is the same as the name of the block), and
then click Save.

Working with references to external files

In IntelliCAD Explorer, you can work with any file that is referenced from an open
drawing. In addition to commonly used xrefs, or externally referenced drawing files,
you can also manage raster images, .dwf files, .dgn files, and .pdf files directly from
IntelliCAD Explorer.
When you reference an external file from a drawing, the contents of referenced file
appear in the current drawing, but the contents themselves are not added to the draw-
ing.
238 CHAPTER 8

Displaying information about referenced files in IntelliCAD

Explorer
To display information about referenced files
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > IntelliCAD Explorer > Explore External References.
• On the Explorer toolbar, click the Explore External References tool ( ).
• Type exprefs and then press Enter.
2 Do one of the following:

• Click the Icons tool ( ) to see a small image of each referenced file,
• Click the Details tool ( ) to see more detailed information about each block.

B C D E F G H
A Click to display the externally referenced file settings. E Displays the size of the file.
B Lists names of files referenced from the current drawing. F Displays the type of file.
C Displays the load status of the file in the current drawing. G Displays the date of the file.
D Displays the number of times the file is referenced from the H Displays the location of the file.
current drawing. I Click a column title to sort by category.
 WORKING WITH INTELLICAD EXPLORER 239

Attaching referenced files

To attach an externally referenced file
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > IntelliCAD Explorer > External References.
• On the Explorer toolbar, click the Explore External Reference tool ( ).
• Type exprefs and then press Enter.
2 Do one of the following:
• Choose Edit > New > External Reference.
• On the IntelliCAD Explorer toolbar, click the New Item tool ( ).
3 In Files of type, select the type of file to attach, then click Open.
4 Specify the insertion point for the file and complete the additional prompts.
5 To complete the command and return to your drawing, close the window.

Modifying the settings for referenced files

Any referenced file can be modified from the IntelliCAD Explorer, including renam-
ing, linking to a new location, clipping, and more.

To change the name of a referenced file in the current drawing

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > IntelliCAD Explorer > Explore External References.
• On the Explorer toolbar, click the Explore External Reference tool ( ).
• Type exprefs and then press Enter.
2 Do one of the following:
• Select the file, choose Edit > Rename, type a new name, and then press Enter.
• Click the file name you want to change, type a new name, and then press Enter.
• Right-click the file name you want to change, and from the shortcut menu, select
Rename, type a new name, and then press Enter.
3 To complete the command and return to your drawing, close the window.
240 CHAPTER 8

To change the name of a referenced file in the current drawing

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > IntelliCAD Explorer > Explore External References.
• On the Explorer toolbar, click the Explore External Reference tool ( ).
• Type exprefs and then press Enter.
2 Do one of the following:
• Select the file, choose Edit > Rename, type a new name, and then press Enter.
• Click the file name you want to change, type a new name, and then press Enter.
• Right-click the file name you want to change, and from the shortcut menu, select
Rename, type a new name, and then press Enter.
3 To complete the command and return to your drawing, close the window.

To manage an externally referenced file

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > IntelliCAD Explorer > Explore External References.
• On the Explorer toolbar, click the Explore External Reference tool ( ).
• Type exprefs and then press Enter.
2 Do one of the following:
• Select a file in the list, choose Edit, then the desired option.
• Right-click the desired file, and from the shortcut menu, select the desired
option.
• Click either the Image Manager tool ( ) or the Xref Manager tool ( ).
3 To complete the command and return to your drawing, close the window.

For more details about working with external references, see “Working with external
references” on page 386.
 WORKING WITH INTELLICAD EXPLORER 241

Working with dimension styles

From IntelliCAD Explorer, you can use the Dimension Styles element to cut, copy,
and paste dimension styles from one drawing to another.
A dimension style contains the settings that control the appearance of a dimension.
Although you cannot control these settings from within the IntelliCAD Explorer, you
can use the Dimension Styles dialog box to control settings related to the appearance
of arrows, lines, text, units, and other formatting characteristics.

Displaying dimension style information in IntelliCAD Explorer

To display the IntelliCAD Explorer Dimension Styles element
Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > IntelliCAD Explorer > Explore Dimension Styles.
• On the Explorer toolbar, click the Dimension Styles tool ( ).
• Type setdim and then press Enter.

B C
A To display the dimension styles settings, select Dimension C Click to edit the corresponding dimension style.
Styles. D Click a column title to sort by category.
B Lists the names of dimension styles defined in the current
drawing.

Creating and naming dimension styles

By using the Dimension Styles element in combination with the Dimension Styles
dialog box, you can create new dimension styles, modify them, and copy them into a
different drawing.
242 CHAPTER 8

To create a dimension style

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > IntelliCAD Explorer > Explore Dimension Styles.
• On the Explorer toolbar, click the Explore Dimension Styles tool ( ).
• Type expdimstyles and then press Enter.
2 In the Dimension Styles Manager dialog box, click New.
3 Type the name of the new dimension style.
4 Click the Edit icon for the new dimension style.
5 In the Modify Dimension Styles dialog box, select the desired options.
6 Click OK.

To change a dimension style name in the current drawing

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > IntelliCAD Explorer > Explore Dimension Styles.
• On the Explorer toolbar, click the Explore Dimension Styles tool ( ).
• Type expdimstyles and then press Enter.
2 Do one of the following:
• Select the dimension style, choose Edit > Rename, type a new name, and then
press Enter.
• Click the dimension style name you want to change, type a new name, and then
press Enter.
• Right-click the dimension style name you want to change, and from the shortcut
menu, select Rename, type a new name, and then press Enter.
3 To complete the command and return to your drawing, close the window.

Copying dimension styles

You can copy and paste dimension styles between drawings. In addition to the steps
below, you can also select a dimension style and use the Windows shortcut keys
(Ctrl+A to select all, Ctrl+X to cut, Ctrl+C to copy, Ctrl+V to paste) to copy it in
IntelliCAD Explorer. You can use these shortcut keys with all other IntelliCAD
Explorer elements as well.
 WORKING WITH INTELLICAD EXPLORER 243

To copy a dimension style from one drawing to another

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > IntelliCAD Explorer > Explore Dimension Styles.
• On the Explorer toolbar, click the Explore Dimension Styles tool ( ).
• Type expdimstyles and then press Enter.
2 Right-click the dimension style name you want to copy.
3 From the shortcut menu, select Copy.
4 In the left pane, select the drawing to which you want to copy the dimension style.
5 Click the Dimension Styles element for that drawing.
6 In the right pane, right-click, and then from the shortcut menu, select Paste.

Each drawing contains a dimension style named Standard.

You cannot delete this dimension style, but you can rename it from within the Intelli-
CAD Explorer or modify its properties in the Dimension Styles dialog box.

Working with groups

In IntelliCAD Explorer, you can manage groups — collections of entities saved
together as one unit — that exist in an open drawing, create new groups, manage the
entities contained in a group, and change the settings of groups.

Displaying information about groups in IntelliCAD Explorer

To display groups in IntelliCAD Explorer
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > IntelliCAD Explorer > Explore Groups.
• On the Format toolbar, click the Explore Groups tool ( ).
• Type expgroups and then press Enter.

Creating a new group using IntelliCAD Explorer

To create a new group using IntelliCAD Explorer
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Edit > New > Group.
• On the IntelliCAD Explorer toolbar, click the New Item tool ( ).
A new group is added as Anonymous.
244 CHAPTER 8

2 Type the name for the new group by typing over the highlighted default text, and
then press Enter.
3 Click the [+] tool to select the entities to be included in the group; click the [-] tool
to select the entities to remove from the group.
You can also click the Number of Entities column and choose Add Entities or
Remove Entities.
4 Press Enter when done selecting entities.
5 To complete the command, close the window.

Modifying groups
To modify a group using IntelliCAD Explorer
1 In Explorer, select Groups.
2 To rename a group, do one of the following:
• Select the group, choose Edit > Rename, type a new name, and then press Enter.
• Click the group name you want to change, type a new name, and then press
Enter.
• Right-click the group name you want to change, and from the shortcut menu,
select Rename, type a new name, and then press Enter.
3 To add entities to a group, select the group and click the [+] tool, select the entities
in the drawing to be included in the group, then press Enter when done selecting
entities.
4 To remove entities from a group, select the group and click the [-] tool, select the
entities in the drawing to remove from the group, then press Enter when done
selecting entities.
5 To make a group selectable or unselectable in the drawing, click Selectable for it.
6 To reorder the entities in a group, select the group and click the Reorder tool,
make you selections, then click OK.
7 To select a group in the drawing and have that group highlighted in the list of
groups, click the Highlight tool, select the desired group, then press Enter. The
appropriate group will be highlighted in the list.
8 To complete the command, close the window.

For more details about working with groups, see “Grouping entities” on page 295.
 9

Getting drawing information

IntelliCAD stores accurate, detailed information about all the entities in a drawing.
You can get details about an existing drawing and its entities using the tools for mea-
suring distances and calculating areas. You can also track the amount of time you
spend editing a drawing. This section explains how to:
• Measure distances along an entity.
• Measure distances and angles.
• Divide an entity into a number of equal segments.
• Calculate areas.
• Display information about entities in a drawing.
• Track the amount of time spent editing a drawing.

Many of the functions described in this section require that you set IntelliCAD to the
Advanced experience level.

Topics in this chapter

Specifying measurements and divisions........................................................... 246
Calculating areas .............................................................................................. 249
Calculating distances and angles ..................................................................... 253
Displaying information about your drawing .................................................254
246 CHAPTER 9

Specifying measurements and divisions

You can divide a line, arc, circle, polyline, ellipse, or spline into a number of equal
segments or mark off intervals of a specific length along an entity. (Note that divide is
not the same as break.) For example, you may want to place station-point markers
every 50 feet along the centerline of a roadway or divide the plan view of a window
into three equal-width sections of glass, placing a mullion at each division point.

Understanding measurements and divisions

To specify measurements and divisions, use these commands:
• For the length of the segments, use the Measure command.
• For the number of equal-length segments, use the Divide command.
You can measure or divide arcs, circles, lines, polylines, ellipses, and splines. With
either command, you can identify the segments by placing either a block or point
entity at the end of each interval. If you use points, you can snap to the ends of inter-
vals using the point entity snap. The appearance of the point entities is determined by
the current point display type, which you control in the Drawing Settings dialog box.
To use a block as the marker, the block must already be defined in the current draw-
ing. You can further indicate whether to rotate the block to align perpendicularly to
the entity you are measuring or dividing.

Block not aligned with entity. Block aligned with entity.

IntelliCAD begins measuring or dividing based on the point at which you select the
entity and the type of entity with which you are working. For most entities, measuring
starts from the endpoint closest to the point you used to select the entity. If you select
the entity to be measured or divided using a method other than pointing (for example,
using a window or fence selection), the program prompts you to specify the end from
which you want to begin measuring.
 GETTING DRAWING INFORMATION 247

Measuring intervals on entities

You can mark specified length increments along a selected entity using either a point
entity or a block.

To measure intervals along an entity and mark them using point entities
Advanced experience level
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Modify > Measure.
• On the Modify toolbar, click the Measure tool ( ).
• Type measure and then press Enter.
2 Select the entity.
3 Specify the segment length, and then press Enter.

A B

When you select the entity by pointing, intervals are measured from the end
closest to the point at which you select the entity (A). Blocks or point entities (B)
are placed along the entity at the specified interval.
To measure intervals along an entity and mark them using blocks
Advanced experience level
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Modify > Measure.
• On the Modify toolbar, click the Measure tool ( ).
• Type measure and then press Enter.
2 Select the entity.
3 In the prompt box, choose Insert Blocks.
4 Type the name of the block you want to insert as the marker.
5 In the prompt box, choose either Yes-Align Blocks to rotate each insertion of the
block so that its vertical alignment is always perpendicular to the entity or No-Do
Not Align to insert each copy of the block with a zero rotation angle.
6 Specify the segment length, and then press Enter.
248 CHAPTER 9

Dividing entities into segments

You can place markers along a selected entity, dividing that entity into a specified
number of equal-length segments. You can use either a point entity or a block to mark
the segments.

To divide an entity into segments and mark them using point entities
Advanced experience level
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Modify > Divide.
• On the Modify toolbar, click the Divide tool ( ).
• Type divide and then press Enter.
2 Select the entity.
3 Specify the number of segments, and then press Enter.

When you select the entity by pointing, divisions are marked beginning from the end closest to the
point at which you select the entity (A). Blocks or point entities (B) are placed along the entity to
mark it in equal intervals.
To divide an entity into segments and mark them using blocks
Advanced experience level
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Modify > Divide.
• On the Modify toolbar, click the Divide tool ( ).
• Type divide and then press Enter.
2 Select the entity.
3 In the prompt box, choose Insert Blocks.
4 Type the name of the block you want to insert as the marker.
5 In the prompt box, choose either Yes-Align Blocks to rotate each insertion of the
block so that its vertical alignment is always perpendicular to the entity or
No-Do Not Align to insert each copy of the block with a zero rotation angle.
6 Specify the number of segments, and then press Enter.
 GETTING DRAWING INFORMATION 249

Calculating areas
You can calculate the area and perimeter of a polygon based on a series of points you
specify or enclose with a circle or closed polyline. You can also determine the area of
several combined entities and add or subtract the area of one or more entities from a
total combined area.

Calculating areas defined by points

You can find the area and perimeter of any closed region by specifying a series of
points. The program calculates the area and perimeter of the space that is enclosed by
an imaginary polygon consisting of straight-line segments connecting each point.

To calculate the area defined by points you specify

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Inquiry > Area.
• On the Inquiry toolbar, click the Area tool ( ).
• Type area and then press Enter.
2 Specify the first point.
3 Specify the second point.
4 Continue specifying points in sequence to define the perimeter of the area you
want to measure.
As you select each successive point, the resulting polygon is displayed on the
screen.
5 To complete the calculation, press Enter.
The area and perimeter of the region you defined are displayed. For example, the
following type of information is displayed:
Area = 11.0583, Perimeter = 15.3092

B
A

Select the points (A, B, C) that form a polygon. The area and
perimeter of the region are then calculated.
250 CHAPTER 9

Calculating areas of closed entities

You can find the area of any closed entity. In addition, the program calculates either the
circumference or the perimeter of the entity, depending on the type of entity you select.

To calculate the area of a closed entity

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Inquiry > Area.
• On the Inquiry toolbar, click the Area tool ( ).
• Type area and then press Enter.
2 In the prompt box, choose Find Area Of One Entity.
3 Select the entity.
The following type of information is displayed:
Area = 62.3837, Circumference = 27.9989

Calculating combined areas

You can find the total area of several combined regions by specifying points or by
selecting entities. You can also subtract the areas of entities or polygons from a
running total.

To add areas to calculate a combined area

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Inquiry > Area.
• On the Inquiry toolbar, click the Area tool ( ).
• Type area and then press Enter.
2 In the prompt box, choose Add Areas Together.
3 Using one of the following methods, identify the first area:
• Specify points defining a polygon, and then in the prompt box, choose Done
Specifying Area.
• In the prompt box, choose Add Entities To Area, select the entities you want to
add, and then press Enter to complete the calculations.
4 To complete the command, choose Done in the prompt box.
 GETTING DRAWING INFORMATION 251

To subtract areas when calculating a combined area

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Inquiry > Area.
• On the Inquiry toolbar, click the Area tool ( ).
• Type area and then press Enter.
2 In the prompt box, choose Add Areas Together.
3 Using one of the following methods, identify the first area:
• Specify points defining a polygon, and then in the prompt box, choose Done
Specifying Area.
• In the prompt box, choose Add Entities To Area, select the entities you want to
add, and then press Enter to complete the calculations.
4 In the prompt box, choose Subtract Areas.
5 Using one of the following methods, identify the area to be subtracted:
• Specify points defining a polygon, and then in the prompt box, choose Done
Specifying Area.
• In the prompt box, choose Subtract Entities From Area, select the entities you
want to subtract, and then press Enter to complete the calculations.
6 To complete the command, choose Done in the prompt box.

B
A

To calculate the area of the gasket using the Area command, first add
the area of the entire gasket (A), and then subtract the areas of the two
circles (B and C).
252 CHAPTER 9

Viewing calculated area details

As you select entities, the program displays the calculations. If the command bar is
displayed, the information appears there. If the command bar is not displayed, the
program opens the Prompt History window and displays the calculations. The follow-
ing type of information is an example of what is displayed:
Entity • Add • Subtract • <First point>: Choose Add Areas Together

Adding: Entity • Subtract • <First point>: Choose Add Entities to Area

Adding area: <Select entities>: Select the first entity

Area = 64.6259, Perimeter = 33.3049

Total length = 33.3049

Total area = 64.6259

Adding area: <Select entities>: press Enter

Adding: Entity • Subtract • <First point>: Choose Subtract Areas

Subtracting: Entity • Add • <First point>: Choose Subtract Entities from

Area

Subtracting area: <Select entities>: Select the first entity to subtract

Area = 3.1597, Circumference = 6.3012

Total length = 27.0036

Total area = 61.4662

Subtracting area: <Select entities>: Select the second entity to subtract

Area = 3.1597, Circumference = 6.3012

Total length = 20.7024

Total area = 58.3066

Subtracting area: <Select entities>: Press Enter

Subtracting: Entity • Add • <First point>: Choose Done

 GETTING DRAWING INFORMATION 253

Calculating distances and angles

You can calculate the distance between any two points you select to determine the
following information:
• The distance between the points, measured in drawing units.
• Their angle in the xy plane.
• Their angle measured from the xy plane.
The change (delta) in the x, y, and z distances between the two points.

Calculating the distance between two points and their angle

When calculating the distance between points, it is often helpful to use entity snaps to
specify precise points.

To calculate the distance between two points and their angle

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Inquiry > Distance.
• On the Inquiry toolbar, click the Distance tool ( ).
• Type distance and then press Enter.
2 Specify the first point.
3 Specify the second point.

C
A
F
B D

Use the Distance command to calculate the distance (A) between two points (B
and C), the angle in the xy plane (D), the angle from the xy plane, and the delta
x (E), delta y (F), and delta z distances between the two points.

Viewing calculated distance details

As you select entities, the program displays the calculations. If the command bar is
displayed, the information appears there. If the command bar is not displayed, the
program opens the Prompt History window and displays the calculations. The follow-
ing type of information is an example of what is displayed:
Distance = 13.2850, Angle in XY Plane = 31º, Angle from XY Plane = 0º

Delta X = 11.3878, Delta Y = 6.8418, Delta Z = 0.0000

254 CHAPTER 9

Displaying information about your drawing

You can display a variety of information about a drawing and the entities it contains,
including:
• Information in the drawing database about selected entities.
• The current drawing status.
• The time spent working on the drawing.
This information is displayed in the Prompt History window and in the command bar.

Displaying information about entities

You can display information about the selected entities. The information varies,
depending on the type of entities you select. All of the listings display the following
information:
• Entity type.
• Layer.
• Color.
• Linetype.
• The location of the entity (its xyz-coordinates relative to the current user
coordinate system [UCS]).
• The current space (model space on the Model tab or paper space on a Layout tab).
• The size of the entity (the information varies, depending on the entity type).
To display information about an entity
Advanced experience level
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Inquiry > List Entity Info.
• On the Inquiry toolbar, click the List Entity Info tool ( ).
• Type list and then press Enter.
2 Select one or more entities.
3 Press Enter.

Use a shortcut.
To return to the drawing window, press F2.
 GETTING DRAWING INFORMATION 255

The following type of information is displayed:

------ Circle ---------------------------------------------------

Handle: 2C

Current space: Model

Layer: 0

Color: BYLAYER

Linetype: CONTINUOUS

Handle: 4C

Current space: Model

Center point: X= -5.8583 Y= 7.2752 Z= 0.0000

Radius: 4.4562

Circumference: 27.9989

Area: 62.3837

Displaying the drawing status

You can display information about the current status of a drawing, including:
• Drawing name.
• Limits.
• Insertion base point.
• Snap and grid settings.
• Current layer, color, and linetype.
• Current settings for various modes (fill, grid, orthogonal, snap, blips, and so on).

To display the drawing status

Advanced experience level
Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Inquiry > Drawing Status.
• On the Inquiry toolbar, click the Drawing Status tool ( ).
• Type status and then press Enter.
256 CHAPTER 9

The following type of information is displayed:

Current drawing name: Site Plan

Drawing limits are: X=0.0000 Y=0.0000 Z=0.0000

X=12.0000 Y=9.0000 Z=0.0000

Paper space limits are: X=0.0000 Y=0.0000 Z=0.0000

X=12.0000 Y=9.0000 Z=0.0000

Screen width (pixels): 971

Screen height (pixels): 569

Insertion base is: X=0.0000 Y=0.0000 Z=0.0000

Snap resolution is: X=0.5000 Y=0.5000 Z=0.0000

Grid spacing is: X:0.5000 Y:0.5000 Z=0.0000

Current layer: 0

Current color: BYLAYER

Current linetype: BYLAYER

Current elevation: 0.0000

Current thickness: 0.0000

Fill: on

Grid: off

Ortho: off

Snap: off

Blips: off

Drag: on

Command echo: on

Positive angle direction: Counterclockwise

Angular units: Decimal degrees

Dimension units: Decimal

Pick box height: 3

Entities in drawing: 288

Tracking time spent working on a drawing

You can display information about the amount of time you have spent working on a
drawing, including:
• The date and time the drawing was created.
• The date and time the drawing was most recently saved.
• The total amount of time spent working on the drawing.
• The time spent working on the drawing during the current editing session.

You can turn the elapsed-time timer on and off or reset it to zero.
 GETTING DRAWING INFORMATION 257

To display the timer information

Advanced experience level
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Inquiry > Time Variables.
• On the Inquiry toolbar, click the Time Variables tool ( ).
• Type time and then press Enter.
2 Select any of the prompt box options:
• Choose Timer On to turn the elapsed timer on.
• Choose Timer Off to turn the elapsed timer off.
• Choose Display Timer to redisplay the timer information.
• Choose Reset Timer to reset the elapsed timer to zero.
3 In the prompt box, choose Cancel to exit the command.

Each time you display the timer information, the following type of information is
displayed:
The current time is Fri Dec 19 09:58:43 1997

Drawing was created on: Wed 17 Dec 1997 at 16:17:59.8090

Drawing was last updated on: Thur 18 Dec 1997 at 09:58:43.3040

Total editing time: 1 2: 35:4.2345

Elapsed timer (on): 0 1: 21:5.6324

258 CHAPTER 9
 10

Modifying entities

IntelliCAD provides many editing tools for modifying a drawing. You can easily
move, rotate, or stretch drawing entities, or change their scale. When you want to
remove an entity, you can delete it with a few clicks of the mouse. You can also make
multiple copies of any entity and copy entities from one drawing to another.
You can modify most entities using general-purpose editing commands, many of
which are located on the Modify toolbar and the Modify menu. Some complex enti-
ties require special commands. This section explains how to:
• Select entities using entity-selection methods and grips.
• Change the properties of entities.
• Rearrange entities by moving, rotating, or changing the display order.
• Resize entities by stretching, scaling, extending, trimming, or editing their lengths.
• Split and combine entities by braking, joining, exploding, and grouping them.
• Edit polylines.
• Create chamfers and fillets.

Topics in this chapter

Selecting entities............................................................................................... 260
Modifying the properties of entities................................................................... 271
Deleting entities ................................................................................................ 273
Copying entities ................................................................................................ 273
Rearranging entities.......................................................................................... 281
Resizing entities................................................................................................ 285
Splitting and combining entities ........................................................................ 293
Editing polylines................................................................................................ 298
Chamfering and filleting entities........................................................................ 304
260 CHAPTER 10

Selecting entities
You can create a selection set that consists of one or more entities for modification.
Use any of the following methods to create a selection set:
• Choose a command or tool first, and then select entities.
• Select entities first, and then choose a command or tool (most entities).
• Select entities by pointing, and then use grips to modify them.

Understanding when to select entities

You can select entities before or after you choose a command.

Selecting entities first

When you select entities and then issue a command, the program immediately acts on
the entities you’ve selected. In many cases, a command-specific prompt box provides
additional options for that editing operation. If you want to modify the selection set at
that point, right-click to display the prompt box with the selection options and choose
the option you want. To redisplay the command-specific prompt box, right-click
again.

Choosing a command first

When you choose an entity-modification tool or command first, the program prompts
you to select entities and displays a prompt box from which you can choose a selec-
tion method. You can select individual entities or use other techniques such as selec-
tion windows to select multiple entities.
When you select entities, you add them to the selection set. After you select at least
one entity, you can remove entities from the selection set. To finish adding entities to
the selection set, press Enter. Most entity-modification commands then act on the
entire selection set.

Understanding entity-selection methods

When you choose a command that requires you to select entities (when you’re delet-
ing or changing entity properties, for example), you can use any of the following
selection methods by choosing them in the prompt box or entering them in the com-
mand bar:

Entity-selection methods
Selection method Command bar Description
Select all ALL Selects all entities in the current drawing.
entities
Add to set + or A Adds one or more entities to the selection set.
Subtract from set - or R Removes one or more entities from the selection set.
Previous selection P Selects entities included in the previous selection set.
 MODIFYING ENTITIES 261

Entity-selection methods
Selection method Command bar Description
Last entity in L Selects the entity most recently added to the drawing.
drawing
Window-Inside W Selects entities contained entirely within a rectangular
selection window.
Crossing window C Selects entities contained within or crossing the boundary of
a rectangular selection window.
Outside window O Selects entities falling completely outside a rectangular
selection window.
Window polygon WP Selects entities contained entirely within a polygon selection
window.
Crossing polygon CP Selects entities contained within or crossing the boundary of
a polygon selection window.
Outside polygon OP Selects entities falling completely outside a polygon selection
window.
Window circle WC Selects entities contained entirely within a circular selection
window.
Crossing circle CC Selects entities contained within or crossing the boundary of
a circular selection window.
Outside circle OC Selects entities falling completely outside a circular selection
window.
Point PO Selects any closed entities that surround the selected point.
Fence F Selects entities crossing a line or line segments.
Quick Select QSELECT Selects entities by type according to a specified value or
range of values.
Select by PRO Selects entities that match a particular set of properties—for
Properties example, all entities on a particular layer or drawn in a certain
color.

You can also use a few selection methods automatically, without displaying the
prompt box:
• Click one or more entities to select them.
• Click an entity to select it, then Ctrl + click to cycle through the entities below the
cursor, selecting one at a time.
• Click two opposite corners of a rectangular selection window. The direction in
which you define the points of the rectangle (left-to-right or right-to-left) deter-
mines which type of window you create.
262 CHAPTER 10

Selecting entities by clicking them

You can click entities to select them.

To select entities by clicking them

1 Click an entity.

Selecting entities by drawing a selection window

You can draw a selection window to include the entities contained within the win-
dow.

To create a selection window from left to right

1 Click to select a point in the drawing.
2 Click to the right of the first point to select a second point in the drawing.

Window-Inside by selecting the first (A) and second (B) Resulting selection.
points.
To create a selection window from right to left
1 Click to select a point in the drawing.
2 Click to the left of the first point to select a second point in the drawing.

Crossing Window by selecting the first (A) and second Resulting selection.
(B) points.
In addition to a rectangular window, you can define a selection window using other
shapes such as a polygon or circle.
 MODIFYING ENTITIES 263

To select entities using a polygon selection window

1 Activate an entity-modification command.
2 In the prompt box, choose Window Polygon.
3 Specify the vertices of the polygon.
4 To complete the selection polygon, press Enter.

Window Polygon by specifying the vertices of the Resulting selection.

polygon (A, B, and C).

Selecting entities using a fence

A selection fence is a multisegmented line that selects entities it crosses.

To select entities using a fence

1 Activate an entity-modification command.
2 In the prompt box, choose Fence.
3 Specify the endpoints of the Fence segments.
4 To complete the Fence, press Enter.

A C

Fence by specifying the endpoints of the fence segments Resulting selection.

(A, B, and C).
264 CHAPTER 10

Filtering entity selection

Filtering a selection is an efficient way to select a set of entities that have something
in common. For example, you can select all entities with the same property such as
color, all entities that are proxies, or all entities with the same value, block name, or
type. You can even add or remove more filters to a set of entities to further customize
the selection.

Selecting entities by property

IntelliCAD makes it easy to select entities according to their common properties,
allowing you to modify large sets of entities quickly and efficiently. When selecting
entities, simply use a filter to add or remove entities according to these common prop-
erties: color, layer, linetype scale, linetype, lineweight, thickness, and width.

Use the List command to get more information for filtering.

If you are unsure what properties are available for filtering, type list to select an area
of the drawing and list the selected entities and their properties.

To select entities by property using a properties filter

1 Activate an entity-modification command, or type select.
2 Choose Filter.
3 Choose a filter option:
• Color — Enter the color of entities you want to select.
• Layer — Enter the layer name of entities you want to select.
• LinetypeScale — Enter the linetype scale of entities you want to select.
• Linetype — Enter the linetype of entities you want to select.
• Lineweight — Enter the lineweight of entities you want to select.
• Thickness — Enter the thickness of entities you want to select. Note that some
entities have thickness, however, lines, circles, arcs, and polylines all have
thickness.
• Width — Enter the width of entities you want to select. Note that only polylines
have width.

Names of properties are case sensitive.

For example, a drawing with layers SAMPLE Layer 1, sample Layer 2, and SAM-
PLE Layer 3 will return no selection if you specify “SAMPLE” for the layer name.
Specifying “SAMPLE*” returns two layers, “*Layer*” returns all layers, and
“sample*” returns one layer.
 MODIFYING ENTITIES 265

4 If desired, add or remove more entities using a filter:

• Choose any other filter option to add more entities to the selection set.
• Choose Remove to remove entities from the selection set according to the filter
you choose next.
A prompt displays the total number of entities in the selection set.
5 To complete the selection, press Enter.

Selection by specifying the smaller of two lineweight Resulting selection.

properties.

Selecting proxy entities using a filter

Proxy entities are entities or custom objects that IntelliCAD does not support. When a
drawing containing proxy entities is loaded into IntelliCAD, a message displays indi-
cating that some entities will not display, however, the entities reappear when you
open the drawing later in a CAD application that supports those entities.
Proxy entities can be selected using typical selection methods, but they can also be
selected using a filter, for example, you might want to select all proxies and place
them on a hidden layer or delete them if you know they won’t be needed in the future.

To select proxy entities using a filter

1 Activate an entity-modification command, or type select.
2 Choose Filter.
3 Choose Proxy.
4 If desired, add or remove more entities using a filter:
• Choose any other filter option to add more entities to the selection set.
• Choose Remove to remove entities from the selection set according to the filter
you choose next.
A prompt displays the total number of entities in the selection set.
5 To complete the selection, press Enter.
266 CHAPTER 10

Selecting blocks of the same name

Some drawings contain many of the same blocks, which are easy to select as a set
using a filter.

Use the List command to get block names.

If you are unsure what blocks are available for filtering, type list to select an area of
the drawing and list the selected entities and their block names.

To select entities by block name

1 Activate an entity-modification command, or type select.
2 Choose Filter.
3 Choose Block.
4 Enter the block name of the entities you want to select.
5 If desired, add or remove more entities using a filter:
• Choose any other filter option to add more entities to the selection set.
• Choose Remove to remove entities from the selection set according to the filter
you choose next.
A prompt displays the total number of entities in the selection set.
6 To complete the selection, press Enter.
 MODIFYING ENTITIES 267

Selecting entities by type

You can filter entities in a selection set according to their type, for example, a circle,
line, text, attribute, or block type.

Use the List command to get type names.

If you are unsure what entity types are available for filtering, type list to select an
area of the drawing and list the selected entities and their types.

To select entities by type using the filter option

1 Activate an entity-modification command, or type select.
2 Choose Filter.
3 Choose Type.
4 Enter the type name (a string value) of the entities you want to select.
5 If desired, add or remove more entities using a filter:
• Choose any other filter option to add more entities to the selection set.
• Choose Remove to remove entities from the selection set according to the filter
you choose next.
A prompt displays the total number of entities in the selection set.
6 To complete the selection, press Enter.

Use the Quick Select command to select entities by type.

You can also type qselect to select entities by type.
268 CHAPTER 10

Selecting entities by value

You can filter entities in a selection set according to common properties and their val-
ues. For example, you can filter a selection set to include all the entities that are the
color red and use the Dashed2 linetype, and then change the value of the linetype.

To select entities by value using Quick Select

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Quick Select.
• On the Properties pane or Save Block to Disk dialog box, click ( ).
• Type qselect.
2 In Apply To, specify which entities to consider for selection. For example, select
Entire Drawing to consider all entities in the drawing. To specify a portion of the
drawing to consider for selection, click ( ) and make your selection directly in
the drawing.
3 In Entity Type, specify the type of entity you want to select.
4 Specify the property to filter for selection, its operator, and value. The options
vary by entity type.
5 Select one of the following:
• Include in New Selection Set Creates a new selection that includes only those
entities that meet the selected options.
• Exclude from New Selection Set Creates a new selection set that includes all of
the entities except those that meet the selected options.
6 To add the newly selected entities to a current selection set (available if entities
were selected before using the Quick Select command), mark Append to Current
Selection Set.
7 Click OK.
 MODIFYING ENTITIES 269

A H
B

D
E

A Choose which entities to consider for F Choose whether to include or exclude

selection. selected entities in the new selection set.
B Choose the type of entity to select. G Select to add the newly selected entities to a
C Choose the desired property. previously specified selection set (if available).
D Choose how to compare the value and H Click to specify a portion of the drawing to
property. consider for selection. The option Current
Selection will appear in Apply To.
E Choose the desired value.
To select entities by value using the filter option
1 Activate an entity-modification command, or type select.
2 Choose Filter.
3 Choose Value.
4 Enter the value (a string) of the entities you want to select.
5 If desired, add or remove more entities using a filter:
• Choose any other filter option to add more entities to the selection set.
• Choose Remove to remove entities from the selection set according to the filter
you choose next.
A prompt displays the total number of entities in the selection set.
6 To complete the selection, press Enter.

Use the List command to get values.

If you are unsure what values are available for filtering, type list to select an area of
the drawing and list the selected entities and their values.
270 CHAPTER 10

Deselecting entities
If an entity is no longer needed in a selection set, you can deselect it to remove it from
the selection set.

To remove an entity from the selection set

1 Press Shift, and then select the entity again.

Use a shortcut.
Pressing Shift while selecting entities using a crossing window removes all entities
from the specified selection set.

To remove all entities from the selection set

1 Press Escape.

Using grips
To use grips for editing, you select an entity to display the grips, and then click a grip
to make it active. The grip you select depends on the type of entity you’re modifying
and the editing operation you’re performing. For example, to move a line entity, drag
it by its midpoint grip. To stretch the line, drag one of the endpoint grips. You do not
need to enter a command when using grips.

Selecting grips for editing

You can select entities first and then choose how to modify them. As you select each
entity, it is highlighted with small squares called grips, which appear at strategic
points on the entity.
The locations of the grips depend on the type of entity selected. For example, grips
appear at the endpoints and midpoint of a line, at the quadrant points and center point
of a circle, and at the endpoints, midpoint, and center of an arc.

Examples of grip locations.

After you select one or more entities, you can choose an entity-modification com-
mand, such as Copy or Move, from the Modify menu or toolbar. You can also click
the right mouse button to display a shortcut menu containing the entity-modification
commands appropriate for the selected entities, and then choose the command from
the menu.
 MODIFYING ENTITIES 271

Turning grips on and off

You can turn the use of grips on and off and control the size and color of grips.

To change grip settings

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Drawing Settings.
• On the Tools toolbar, click the Drawing Settings tool ( ).
• Type ddgrips and then press Enter.
2 In the Drawing Settings dialog box, click the Display tab.
3 In the Change Settings For list, click Grips and choose from the following:
• Enable grips — Click to activate grips for all selected entities.
• Grip size — Specify the grip size.
• Grip color — Click to assign the color for grips.
4 Click OK.

Displaying selected entities highlighted

You can specify whether to display selected entities highlighted, which makes the
selection set easier to see. By default, the highlighting feature is turned on.

To turn the highlighting feature on or off

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Drawing Settings.
• On the Tools toolbar, click the Drawing Settings tool ( ).
• Type settings and then press Enter.
2 Click the Display tab.
3 In the Change Settings For box, select Display.
4 Select or clear the Highlight Item When Selected check box.
5 Click OK.

Modifying the properties of entities

You can change the layer, thickness, linetype, color, and linetype scale of one or
more entities. Depending on the type of entity or entities you select, you can also
change other properties, such as the start point and endpoint of lines, the center point
and radius of circles, and the vertices of polylines.
272 CHAPTER 10

Modifying entity properties

To modify properties of entities
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Modify > Properties.
• On the Modify toolbar, click the Properties tool ( ).
• Type entprop and then press Enter.
• Press Ctrl +1.
The Properties pane displays.
2 Select the desired entities.
3 Make changes to the properties.

The IntelliCAD Entity Properties pane (varies for each entity).

You can also use the Entity Properties toolbar.

Click a tool on the Entity Properties toolbar to change the properties of selected enti-
ties. Note that the Entity Properties toolbar settings that display when no entities are
selected determine the properties of new entities when you draw them.
 MODIFYING ENTITIES 273

Modifying the properties of multiple entities

You can modify all the properties of all selected entities simultaneously. For exam-
ple, using the entprop command, select all entities on a particular layer, and then
move the entities to another layer by simply selecting a name from the Layer text box.
Additionally, using the select command and the Select by Properties option, select all
blue entities and change their color to green.
In the Properties pane, changes that you make in the Layer, Color, Thickness, Line-
weight, Linetype, Linetype Scale, and Print Style (if using named print style tables)
fields affect all selected entities. To change the properties of a single entity in the
selection set, choose the entity from the list at the top of the Properties pane.
You can select the entities to be changed using any entity-selection method.

Deleting entities
You can remove entities from a drawing. You can delete entities using any of the
entity-selection methods.

To delete a selection set

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Edit > Delete.
• On the Standard toolbar, click the Delete tool ( ).
• Type delete and then press Enter.
2 Select the entities, and then press Enter.

Typing the Undelete command restores the most recently deleted selection set.
If you have made additional modifications since deleting the entities, use Undelete
rather than Undo to restore those entities without reversing those modifications.

Copying entities
You can copy one or more entities, making one copy or multiple copies within the
current drawing. You can also copy entities between drawings.
Use any of the following methods to copy entities within the current drawing:
• Create a copy at a location referenced from the original.
• Create a copy aligned parallel to the original.
274 CHAPTER 10

• Create a copy as a mirror image of the original.

• Create several copies in a rectangular or circular pattern.

Copying entities within a drawing

You can duplicate entities within the current drawing. The default method is to create
a selection set and then specify a starting point, or base point, and an endpoint, or dis-
placement point, for the copy. You can also make multiple copies or copy the selec-
tion set to a location you specify, using a direction vector.

To copy a selection set

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Modify > Copy.
• On the Modify toolbar, click the Copy tool ( ).
• Type copy and then press Enter.
2 Select the entities, and then press Enter.
3 Specify the base point.
4 Specify the insertion point.
5 Continue specifying insertion points to place additional copies.
6 To complete the command, press Enter.

B
A
C

To make a single copy of an entity, select the Result.

entity to copy (A), base point (B), and then
displacement point (C).
 MODIFYING ENTITIES 275

E
D
B
C

To make multiple copies of an entity, select the Result.

entity to copy (A), specify the base point (B), and
then specify the displacement points (C, D, and
E).

Use a system variable.

The COPYMODE system variable controls whether you are prompted for multiple
copies.

Copying between drawings

You can use the Clipboard to cut or copy entities from one drawing to another.
Cutting removes the selected entities from a drawing and stores them on the
Clipboard. Copying duplicates the selected entities from a drawing and places them
on the Clipboard.

To cut entities to the Clipboard

1 Select the entities you want to cut.
2 Do one of the following:
• Choose Edit > Cut.
• On the Standard toolbar, click the Cut tool ( ).
• Type cutclip and then press Enter.
To copy entities to the Clipboard
1 Select the entities you want to copy.
2 Do one of the following:
• Choose Edit > Copy.
• On the Standard toolbar, click the Copy tool ( ).
• Type copyclip and then press Enter.
276 CHAPTER 10

Anything that you can copy to the Clipboard can be pasted into a drawing. The format
in which the program adds the Clipboard contents to the drawing depends on the type
of information in the Clipboard. For example, if you copy IntelliCAD drawing enti-
ties to the Clipboard, the program pastes them into the drawing as IntelliCAD enti-
ties. If you copy items to the Clipboard from other programs, they are pasted into the
current drawing as embedded ActiveX® objects.

Sometimes the format you want to paste is not available on the Clipboard.
This is mostly likely due to the settings on the Clipboard tab in Tools > Options. For
details, see “Changing the options on the Clipboard tab” on page 544.

To paste entities from the Clipboard

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Edit > Paste.
• On the Standard toolbar, click the Paste tool ( ).
• Type pasteclip and then press Enter.
2 Specify the insertion point.

Copying between spaces

You can copy entities from model space to paper space or from paper space to model
space. You must be viewing a Layout tab that has at least one layout viewport in
order to copy entities between spaces. You can also move entities between spaces
using the same Change Space command.
For more details about model space and paper space, see see “Understanding paper
space and model space” on page 410.

To copy entities between spaces

1 Click a Layout tab.
2 Select the entities you want to copy.
3 Do one of the following:
• Choose Modify > Change Space.
• On the Modify toolbar, click the Change Space tool ( ).
• Type chspace and then press Enter.
4 Choose Copy.

If using the command bar, the Copy option can get confused with crossing selections.
To use the Crossing selection method, type the full keyword “crossing”. Typing “c”
calls the Copy option.
 MODIFYING ENTITIES 277

Making parallel copies

You can use the offset feature to copy selected entities and align them parallel to the
original entities at a specified distance. You can make parallel, offset entities using
arcs, circles, ellipses, elliptical arcs, lines, two-dimensional polylines, rays, and infi-
nite lines.
Making parallel, offset copies of curved entities creates larger or smaller curves,
depending on which side of the original entity you place the copy. For example, plac-
ing a parallel copy of a circle outside the circle creates a larger concentric circle; posi-
tioning the copy inside the circle creates a smaller concentric circle.

To make a parallel copy by specifying the distance

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Modify > Basic Editing > Offset.
• On the Modify toolbar, click the Offset tool ( ).
• Type offset and then press Enter.
2 Specify the distance by selecting two points or by entering a distance.
3 Select the entity to copy.
4 Specify on which side of the entity to place the parallel copy.
5 Select another entity to copy, or press Enter to complete the command.

A C

B D

To make a parallel copy, specify the distance between copies Result.

by entering a distance or selecting two points (A and B), select
the entity to copy (C), and specify on which side to place the
copy (D).
To make a parallel copy passing through a point
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Modify > Basic Editing > Offset.
• On the Modify toolbar, click the Offset tool ( ).
• Type offset and then press Enter.
2 In the prompt box, choose Through Point.
3 Select the entity to copy.
4 Specify the point for the entity to pass through.
5 Repeat steps 3 and 4, or press Enter to complete the command.
278 CHAPTER 10

To make a parallel copy passing through a point, select the entity to copy (A) and then specify the through
point (B).

Mirroring entities
You can create a mirror image of an entity. You mirror the entity about a mirror line,
which you define by specifying two points in a drawing. You can delete or retain the
original entities.

To mirror entities
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Modify > Mirror.
• On the Modify toolbar, click the Mirror tool ( ).
• Type mirror and then press Enter.
2 Select the entity, and then press Enter.
3 Specify the first point of the mirror line.
4 Specify the second point of the mirror line.
5 In the prompt box, choose one of the following:
• Yes, Delete Entities – deletes the original entities.
• No, Keep Entities – retains the original entities.

A
B

To mirror an entity, select it (A), and then specify the Result.

first point (B) and second point (C) of the mirror line.

Arraying entities
You can copy an entity in a rectangular or polar (circular) pattern, creating an array.
For a rectangular array, you control the number of copies in the array by specifying
the number of rows and columns. You also specify the distance between each row
and column. For a polar array, you control the number of copies that compose the
array and whether to rotate the copies.
 MODIFYING ENTITIES 279

To create a polar array

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Modify > Array.
• On the Modify toolbar, click the Array tool ( ).
• Type array and then press Enter.
2 Select the entities, and then press Enter.
3 In the prompt box, choose Polar.
4 Optionally choose Base to specify a new base point for the array, then select the
base point.
5 Specify the center point of the array.
6 Specify the number of items to array, including the original selection set.
7 Specify the angle the array is to fill, from 0 to 360 degrees.
The default setting for the angle is 360 degrees. Positive values create the array in a
counterclockwise direction; negative values create the array in a clockwise direc-
tion.
8 In the prompt box, choose one of the following:
• Yes, Rotate Entities – rotates entities as they are arrayed.
• No, Do Not Rotate – retains the original orientation of each copy as it is arrayed.

To create a polar array, select the entity to copy (A), specify the center point of the array (B), and then
specify the number of items to array, the angle the array is to fill, and whether to rotate the items.
280 CHAPTER 10

To create a rectangular array

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Modify > Array.
• On the Modify toolbar, click the Array tool ( ).
• Type array and then press Enter.
2 Select the entities, and then press Enter.
3 In the prompt box, choose Rectangular.
4 Type the number of rows.
5 Type the number of columns.
6 Specify the distance between the rows.
7 Specify the distance between the columns.

To create a rectangular array, select the entity to copy (A), type the number of rows and columns, and then
specify the distance between each row (B) and column (C).
 MODIFYING ENTITIES 281

Rearranging entities
You can move one or more entities, and you can also rotate entities about a specified point.
If you have entities that overlap, you can also change the display order.

Moving entities
You can move entities around within the current drawing or from one drawing to
another. The default method is to create a selection set and then specify a starting
point, or base point, and an endpoint, or displacement point, to define the relocation
of the entities. You can also relocate the entities using a direction vector.

To move a selection set

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Modify > Move.
• On the Modify toolbar, click the Move tool ( ).
• Type move and then press Enter.
2 Select the entities, and then press Enter.
3 Specify the base point.
4 Specify the displacement point.

A C

To move an entity, select it (A), and then specify the Result.

base point (B) and the displacement point (C).
You can also move entities using grips. To move an entity using grips, select the
entity to display its grips, and then click a grip and drag it. The grip you select
depends on the type of entity you’re modifying. For example, to move a line entity,
select the midpoint grip. To move a curved entity, such as an arc, circle, or ellipse,
select the center point grip. Not all entities can be moved using grips.

To move an entity using grips

1 Select the entity.
2 Click a grip to select it.
3 Drag the entity to where you want to relocate it.
4 Click to release.
282 CHAPTER 10

Moving entities between spaces

You can move entities from model space to paper space or from paper space to model
space. You must be viewing a Layout tab that has at least one layout viewport in
order to move entities between spaces. You can also copy entities between spaces
using the same Change Space command.
For more details about model space and paper space, see see “Understanding paper
space and model space” on page 410.

To move entities between spaces

1 Click a Layout tab.
2 Select the entities you want to move.
3 Do one of the following:
• Choose Modify > Change Space.
• On the Modify toolbar, click the Change Space tool ( ).
• Type chspace and then press Enter.
4 Choose Move.

Rotating entities
You can rotate entities about a specified point at a specified rotation angle or by an
angle referenced to a base angle. The default method rotates the entities using a rela-
tive rotation angle from their current orientation.

To rotate a selection set

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Modify > Rotate.
• On the Modify toolbar, click the Rotate tool ( ).
• Type rotate and then press Enter.
2 Select the entities, and then press Enter.
3 Specify the rotation point.
4 If desired, choose Copy to rotate a copy of selected entities.
5 Specify the rotation angle.

C
A
B

To rotate an entity, select the entity to rotate (A), and then specify the rotation point (B) and the rotation angle
(C).
 MODIFYING ENTITIES 283

To rotate a selection set in reference to a base angle

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Modify > Rotate.
• On the Modify toolbar, click the Rotate tool ( ).
• Type rotate and then press Enter.
2 Select the entities, and then press Enter.
3 Specify the rotation point.
4 If desired, choose Copy to rotate a copy of selected entities.
5 In the prompt box, choose Base Angle.
6 Specify the base angle, then specify the new angle.

D
A

B C

To rotate an entity in reference to a base angle, select the entity (A), specify the rotation point (B), select the
base angle and pick point (B) again (or type the @ symbol), specify the second point (C), and then specify
the point representing the new angle (D).
284 CHAPTER 10

Reordering entities
When multiple entities overlap, you can change the order in which they are displayed
and printed. You can move entities to the front, back, or on top or below of another
entity.

To reorder entities:
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Draw Order.
• On the Tools toolbar, click the Draw Order tool ( ) or use the Draworder
toolbar.
• Type draworder and then press Enter.
2 Select the entity you want to reorder, and then press Enter.
3 In the prompt box, specify the new drawing order, and then press Enter.
4 If you are reordering above or under, select the entity you want the first entity to
be above or below, and then press Enter.

Use a system variable.

The SORTENTS system variable automatically turns on, which may affect system per-
formance.
 MODIFYING ENTITIES 285

Resizing entities
You can change the size of an entity or set of entities by stretching, scaling, extend-
ing, trimming, or editing their lengths.

Stretching entities
You can change the size of entities by stretching them. When you stretch entities, you
must select the entities using either a crossing window or a crossing polygon. You
then specify a displacement distance or select a base point and a displacement point.
Entities that cross the window or polygon boundary are stretched; those completely
within the crossing window or crossing polygon are simply moved.

To stretch an entity
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Modify > Stretch.
• On the Modify toolbar, click the Stretch tool ( ).
• Type stretch and then press Enter.
2 In the prompt box, choose Crossing Window or Crossing Polygon.
3 Select the entities, and then press Enter.
4 Specify the base point.
5 Specify the second point of displacement.

To stretch entities, select them using a crossing window (A) or crossing polygon, and then specify the base
point (B) and displacement point (C).
To stretch an entity using grips, you select it to display its grips and then select a grip
to make it the active grip. This becomes the base point. Then you move the active
grip to a new location. The grip you select depends on the type of entity you’re modi-
fying. For example, to stretch one corner of a rectangle, select the corner point grip.
To stretch a line, select an endpoint grip. Not all entities can be stretched using grips.
286 CHAPTER 10

To stretch an entity using grips

1 Select the entity.
2 Click a grip to activate it.
3 Drag the grip.
4 Click to release.

B
A
C

To stretch an entity using grips, select the entity Result.

(A), select a grip (B), and drag the grip to its new
location (C).

Scaling entities
You can change the size of a selected entity by scaling it in relation to a base point.
You can change the size of an entity by specifying a base point and a length, which is
used as a scale factor based on the current drawing units, or by specifying a scale fac-
tor. You can also use a scale factor referenced to a base scale factor, for example, by
specifying the current length and a new length for the entity.

To scale a selection set by a scale factor

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Modify > Scale.
• On the Modify toolbar, click the Scale tool ( ).
• Type scale and then press Enter.
2 Select the entities, and then press Enter.
3 Specify the base point.
4 Specify the scale factor.

A
B

To scale an entity by a scale factor, select the entity (A), and then Result.
specify the base point (B) and the scale factor.
 MODIFYING ENTITIES 287

You can also scale some entities using grips. To scale an entity, you select the entity,
and then click a grip. You then change the size of the entity by moving the grip. The
grip you select depends on the type of entity you’re modifying. For example, to scale
a circle, select a quadrant point grip.

To scale an entity using grips

1 Select the entity.
2 Click a grip to select it.
3 Drag the grip.
4 Click to release.

To scale using grips, select the entity (A), click a grip (B), and Result.
scale the entity by dragging the grip to its new location (C).

Extending entities
You can extend entities so that they end at a boundary defined by other entities. You
can also extend entities to the point at which they would intersect an implied bound-
ary edge. When extending entities, you first select the boundary edges, and then spec-
ify the entities to extend, selecting them either one at a time, using the fence selection
method, or the projection selection method.
You can extend arcs, lines, two-dimensional polylines, and rays. Arcs, circles,
ellipses, lines, splines, polylines, rays, infinite lines, and viewports on a Layout tab
can act as boundary edges.

To extend an entity
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Modify > Extend.
• On the Modify toolbar, click the Extend tool ( ).
• Type extend and then press Enter.
2 Select one or more entities as boundary edges, and then press Enter.
3 Select the entity to extend.
4 Select another entity to extend, or press Enter to complete the command.
288 CHAPTER 10

A
B
B

To extend entities, select the boundary edge (A), and then Result.
select the entities to extend (B).
To extend an entity to an implied boundary
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Modify > Extend.
• On the Modify toolbar, click the Extend tool ( ).
• Type extend and then press Enter.
2 Select one or more boundary edges, and then press Enter.
3 In the prompt box, choose Edge Mode.
4 In the prompt box, choose Extend.
5 Select the entity to extend.
6 Select another entity to extend, or press Enter to complete the command.

B
A

Select the boundary edge (A), and then select the entities to Result.
extend (B).
 MODIFYING ENTITIES 289

To extend several entities using the fence selection method

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Modify > Extend.
• On the Modify toolbar, click the Extend tool ( ).
• Type extend and then press Enter.
2 Select one or more boundary edges, and then press Enter.
3 In the prompt box, choose Fence.
4 Specify the first point of the fence.
5 Specify the second point of the fence.
6 Specify the next fence point, or press Enter to complete the command.

Select the boundary edge (A), and then specify the first point (B) Result.
and second point (C) of the fence.
When you extend a wide polyline, its centerline intersects the boundary edge.
Because the end of the polyline is always cut at a 90-degree angle, part of the polyline
may extend past the boundary edge. A tapered polyline continues to taper until it
intersects the boundary edge. If this would result in a negative polyline width, the
ending width changes to 0.

A B

A tapered polyline (A) continues to taper until it intersects the Result.

boundary edge (B).
290 CHAPTER 10

Trimming entities
You can clip, or trim, entities so they end at one or more implied cutting edges
defined by other entities. You can also trim entities to the point at which they would
intersect an implied cutting edge. When trimming entities, you first select the cutting
edges and then specify the entities to trim, selecting them either one at a time or using
the fence selection method.
You can trim arcs, circles, lines, open two-dimensional and three-dimensional
polylines, and rays. Arcs, circles, lines, polylines, rays, infinite lines, and viewports
on a Layout tab can act as cutting edges. An entity can be both a cutting edge and one
of the entities being trimmed.

To trim an entity
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Modify > Trim.
• On the Modify toolbar, click the Trim tool ( ).
• Type trim and then press Enter.
2 Select one or more cutting edges, and then press Enter.
3 Select the entity to trim.
4 Select another entity to trim, or press Enter to complete the command.

To trim entities, select the cutting edge (A), and then select Result.
the entities to trim (B).
To trim an entity to an implied boundary
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Modify > Trim.
• On the Modify toolbar, click the Trim tool ( ).
• Type trim and then press Enter.
2 Select one or more cutting edges, and then press Enter.
3 In the prompt box, choose Edge Mode.
4 In the prompt box, choose Extend.
5 Select the entity to trim.
6 Select another entity to trim, or press Enter to complete the command.
 MODIFYING ENTITIES 291

Select the implied boundary edge (A), and then select Result.
the entities to trim (B).
To trim several entities using the fence selection method
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Modify > Trim.
• On the Modify toolbar, click the Trim tool ( ).
• Type trim and then press Enter.
2 Select one or more cutting edges, and then press Enter.
3 In the prompt box, choose Fence.
4 Specify the first point of the fence.
5 Specify the second point of the fence.
6 Specify the next fence point, or press Enter to complete the command.

A B

Select the boundary edge (A), and then specify the first Result.
point (B) and second point (C) of the fence.

Editing the length of entities

You can change the length of entities or the included angle of arcs. Use any of the fol-
lowing methods to change the length of an entity:
• Dynamically drag the endpoint or angle.
• Specify an incremental length or angle measured from an endpoint.
• Specify the new length as a percentage of the total length or angle.
• Specify a new length or included angle.

You can change the length of arcs, lines, and open polylines.
292 CHAPTER 10

To change the length of an entity by dragging

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Modify > Edit Length.
• On the Modify toolbar, click the Edit Length tool ( ).
• Type editlen and then press Enter.
2 In the prompt box, choose Dynamic.
3 Select the entity you want to change.
4 Specify the new endpoint or included angle.

B
A

A B

Select the entity (A), and then select the new Result.
endpoint (B).
 MODIFYING ENTITIES 293

Splitting and combining entities

You can break and combine entities using the following methods:
• Break — Separate a single entity into two parts, removing a portion of the entity in
the process.
• Join — Combine two entities into a single entity.
• Explode — Separate a complex entity, such as a block or polyline, into its various
component parts.
• Group — Combine multiples entities to behave as a single unit.

Breaking entities
You can break arcs, circles, ellipses, lines, polylines, rays, and infinite lines. When
breaking entities, you must specify two points for the break. By default, the point you
use to select the entity becomes the first break point; however, you can use the First
option to select a break point different from the one that selects the entity.

To break an entity
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Modify > Break.
• On the Modify toolbar, click the Break tool ( ).
• Type break and then press Enter.
2 Select the entity.
3 Specify the second break point.

Select the entity (A), and then specify the second break Result.
point (B).
294 CHAPTER 10

To select an entity and then specify the two break points

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Modify > Break.
• On the Modify toolbar, click the Break tool ( ).
• Type break and then press Enter.
2 Select the entity.
3 In the prompt box, choose First.
4 Specify the first break point.
5 Specify the second break point.

C
B
A

Select the entity (A), and then specify the first (B) and Result.
second (C) break points.

You can break an entity in two without removing a portion of the entity.
Specify the same point for the first and second break points by typing the at sign (@)
and pressing Enter instead of specifying the second break point.

Joining entities
You can join two entities into a single entity. You can join either two lines or two arcs.
The two lines must be parallel; the two arcs must share the same center point and radius.
When you join two lines, the farthest endpoints remain at their existing locations; the
program draws a new line between these points. Arcs are joined counterclockwise,
from the first arc you select to the second.

To join two entities

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Modify > Join.
• On the Modify toolbar, click the Join tool ( ).
• Type join and then press Enter.
2 Select the first arc or line.
3 Select the second arc or line.
 MODIFYING ENTITIES 295

B
A

Select the first arc or line (A), and then select the Result.
second arc or line (B).

Exploding entities
You can convert a complex entity, such as a block or polyline, from a single entity
into its component parts. Exploding a polyline, rectangle, donut, polygon, dimension,
or leader reduces it to a collection of individual line and arc entities that you can then
modify individually. Blocks are converted to the individual entities, possibly includ-
ing other, nested blocks that composed the original entity.
With the following exceptions, exploding an entity usually has no visible effect on a
drawing:
• If the original polyline had a width, the width information is lost when you explode
it. The resulting lines and arcs follow the centerline of the original polyline.
• If you explode a block containing attributes, the attributes are lost, but the original
attribute definitions remain.
• Colors, linetypes, lineweights, and print styles assigned BYBLOCK may be dif-
ferent after exploding an entity, because they will adopt the default color, linetype,
lineweight, and print style until inserted into another block.

To explode an entity
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Modify > Explode.
• On the Modify toolbar, click the Explode tool ( ).
• Type explode and then press Enter.
2 Select the entities to explode.
3 Press Enter.

Grouping entities
A group is a collection of entities saved together as one unit. After you select the enti-
ties that belong in the group, you can later add more entities, remove entities, and
reorder the entities. If necessary, you can also ungroup the entities at any time to
work with the entities separately.
296 CHAPTER 10

Creating groups
When you create a group, you enter a group name and description, and then select the
entities for the group.

To create a group
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Group.
• On the Tools toolbar, click the Group tool ( ).
• Type group and then press Enter.
2 Under Create New Group, enter the name and description of the group.
3 Click Selectable if you want all entities in the group to be selected when you select
one entity of the group in the drawing.
4 Click Select Entities and Create Group.
5 Select the entities for the group, and then press Enter.
6 In the Group dialog box, click OK.

You can select entities using groups.

Enter the name of a group in the command bar when selecting entities.

The Group dialog box controls the settings for all groups in a drawing.
 MODIFYING ENTITIES 297

Modifying groups
To modify a group and its entities
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Group.
• On the Tools toolbar, click the Group tool ( ).
• Type group and then press Enter.
2 Select the group you want to modify.
3 Under Modify Selected Group, do one or more of the following:
• Enter a new name, and then click Rename Group.
• Enter a new description, and then click Change Group Description.
• Select whether you want the group to be selectable in the drawing.
• Click Add Entities to Group, select the entities to add to the group, and then
press Enter.
• Click Remove Entities from Group, select the entities to remove from the group,
and then press Enter.
4 In the Group dialog box, click OK.

To change the order of entities in a group

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Group.
• On the Tools toolbar, click the Group tool ( ).
• Type group and then press Enter.
2 Under Modify Selected Group, click Reorder Entities.
3 In the Reorder Grouped Entities dialog box, select the group you want to reorder.
4 To see the order of entities in the group, click Highlight. Follow the prompts that
display to view the entities one by one.
5 To reverse the order of all entities in the group, click Reverse Order.
6 To change the order of specific entities or a range of entities:
• In Remove from Position, enter the current position of the entity.
• In Place to Position, enter the new position of the entity.
• In Number of Entities, enter the number of entities or range of entities to reorder.
For example, if you are changing the order of only one entity, enter 1.
• Click Reorder.
The entities in a group are numbered 0, 1, 2, 3, and so on.
7 Click OK, and then click OK again.
298 CHAPTER 10

Ungrouping entities
When you ungroup entities, the entities remain in the drawing but the group is deleted
from the drawing.

To ungroup entities
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Group.
• On the Tools toolbar, click the Group tool ( ).
• Type group and then press Enter.
2 Select the group to delete.
3 Under Modify Selected Group, click Ungroup Entities.
4 Click OK.

Editing polylines
You can modify any type of two-dimensional or three-dimensional polyline. Entities
such as rectangles, polygons, and donuts, as well as three-dimensional entities such as
pyramids, cylinders, and spheres, are all variations of polylines that you can edit.
You can edit a polyline by opening or closing it, by changing its overall width or the
widths of individual segments, and by converting a polyline with straight line seg-
ments into a flowing curve or an approximation of a spline. In addition, you can use
the Edit Polyline tool to edit individual vertices, adding, removing, or moving verti-
ces. You can also add new segments to an existing polyline, change the linetypes of a
polyline, and reverse the direction or order of the vertices.

Converting an entity to a polyline

To modify a polyline, you first select the polyline, and then select a polyline editing
option. The available options vary depending on whether the selected polyline is a
two-dimensional or three-dimensional entity. If the selected entity is not a polyline,
the Edit Polyline tool provides the option of turning it into one. You can convert only
arcs and lines into polylines. If several arcs or lines are joined endpoint to endpoint,
they can all be selected and turned into one polyline.
 MODIFYING ENTITIES 299

To convert an entity into a polyline

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Modify > Edit Polyline.
• On the Modify toolbar, click the Edit Polyline tool ( ).
• Type editpline and then press Enter.
2 Select the entity.
3 In the prompt box, choose Yes-Turn Into Polyline.
4 In the prompt box, choose another option, or choose Done to complete the
command.

Opening and closing polylines

When you close a polyline, the program draws a straight polyline segment from the
last vertex of the polyline to the first vertex. Opening a polyline removes the closing
segment. When you select a polyline for editing, the prompt box displays either the
Open or Close option, depending on whether the polyline you select is closed or
open.

To close an open polyline

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Modify > Edit Polyline.
• On the Modify toolbar, click the Edit Polyline tool ( ).
• Type editpline and then press Enter.
2 Select the polyline.
3 In the prompt box, choose Close.
4 In the prompt box, choose another option, or choose Done to complete the com-
mand.

A B

Closing an open polyline adds a straight Result.

polyline segment between the first (A) and last
(B) vertices.
300 CHAPTER 10

Curving and decurving polylines

You can convert a multisegment polyline into a smooth curve using either the Fit or
Spline option. The Fit option creates a smooth curve connecting all the vertices. The
Spline option computes a smooth curve that is pulled toward the vertices but passes
through only the first and last vertices. The Decurve option removes Fit or Spline
curves and arcs, leaving straight segments between the vertices.

To fit a curve to a polyline

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Modify > Edit Polyline.
• On the Modify toolbar, click the Edit Polyline tool ( ).
• Type editpline and then press Enter.
2 Select the polyline.
3 In the prompt box, choose Fit.
4 In the prompt box, choose another option, or choose Done to complete the
command.

Original polyline. After applying Fit curve. After applying Spline.

Joining polylines
You can add an arc, line, or polyline entity to an existing open polyline, forming one
continuous polyline entity. To join an entity to a polyline, that entity must already
share an endpoint with an end vertex of the selected polyline.
When you join an entity to a polyline, the width of the new polyline segment depends
on the width of the original polyline and the type of entity you are joining to it:
• A line or an arc assumes the same width as the polyline segment for the end vertex
to which it is joined.
• A polyline joined to a tapered polyline retains its own width values.
 MODIFYING ENTITIES 301

• A polyline joined to a uniform-width polyline assumes the width of the polyline to

which it is joined.

To join an arc, line, or polyline to an existing polyline

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Modify > Edit Polyline.
• On the Modify toolbar, click the Edit Polyline tool ( ).
• Type editpline and then press Enter.
2 Select the polyline.
3 In the prompt box, choose Join.
4 Select the arc, line, or polyline to join.
5 In the prompt box, choose another option, or choose Done to complete the
command.

Changing the polyline width

You can change the width of an entire polyline, applying a uniform width to the entire
entity or tapering the polyline uniformly along its entire length.

To apply a uniform width to an entire polyline

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Modify > Edit Polyline.
• On the Modify toolbar, click the Edit Polyline tool ( ).
• Type editpline and then press Enter.
2 Select the polyline.
3 In the prompt box, choose Width.
4 Specify the new polyline width.
5 In the prompt box, choose another option, or choose Done to complete the
command.

To taper a polyline uniformly along its length

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Modify > Edit Polyline.
• On the Modify toolbar, click the Edit Polyline tool ( ).
• Type editpline and then press Enter.
2 Select the polyline.
3 In the prompt box, choose Taper.
4 Specify the starting width.
5 Specify the ending width.
302 CHAPTER 10

6 In the prompt box, choose another option, or choose Done to complete the
command.

Editing polyline vertices

You can use the Edit Vertices option to modify individual polyline vertices. When
you select this option, the program switches into a special vertex editing mode and
places an x on the first vertex. The x indicates the vertex you are editing. The Next
and Previous options move the x to the next or previous vertex. You can edit only one
vertex at a time.
When editing vertices, you can modify the polyline in the following ways:
• Convert a polyline segment into a curve by specifying a new tangent angle.
• Break a polyline into two separate polylines.
• Insert a new vertex after the current vertex.
• Move the current vertex.
• Straighten the polyline segment between two vertices.
• Change the width of the polyline segment between two vertices.

To move a polyline vertex

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Modify > Edit Polyline.
• On the Modify toolbar, click the Edit Polyline tool ( ).
• Type editpline and then press Enter.
2 Select the polyline.
3 In the prompt box, choose Edit Vertices.
4 In the prompt box, choose Next Vertex.
Repeat until the x reaches the vertex you want to move.
5 In the prompt box, choose Move.
6 Specify the new location for the vertex.
7 In the prompt box, choose another option, or choose Exit to stop editing vertices.
8 In the prompt box, choose another option, or choose Done to complete the com-
mand.
 MODIFYING ENTITIES 303

A C

Select the polyline (A), move the current vertex Result.

marker to the vertex you want to move (B), and then
specify the new vertex location (C).
To taper the width of an individual polyline segment
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Modify > Edit Polyline.
• On the Modify toolbar, click the Edit Polyline tool ( ).
• Type editpline and then press Enter.
2 Select the polyline.
3 In the prompt box, choose Edit Vertices.
4 In the prompt box, choose Next Vertex.
Repeat until the x reaches the first vertex of the segment you want to taper.
5 In the prompt box, choose Width.
6 Specify the starting width.
7 Specify the ending width.
8 In the prompt box, choose another option, or choose Exit to stop editing vertices
and update the display.
9 In the prompt box, choose another option, or choose Done to complete the com-
mand.

A B

Select the polyline (A), move the current vertex Result.

marker to the first vertex of the segment you want to
taper (B), and then specify the new starting and
ending widths for that segment.
304 CHAPTER 10

Chamfering and filleting entities

You can chamfer or fillet entities. A chamfer connects two nonparallel entities with a
line to create a beveled edge. A fillet connects two entities with an arc of a specified
radius to create a rounded edge. If both entities you are working with are on the same
layer, the chamfer or fillet is drawn on that layer. If they are on different layers, the
chamfer or fillet is drawn on the current layer.

Modifying the chamfer and fillet settings

The Chamfer/Fillet settings in the Drawing Settings dialog box control the chamfer
and fillet settings. The portions of the entities that extend beyond the chamfer or fillet
are normally deleted when you create the chamfer or fillet. You can retain these
original entities, however, by changing the settings in the dialog box.

To modify the chamfer and fillet settings

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Drawing Settings.
• On the Tools toolbar, click the Drawing Settings tool ( ).
• Type settings and then press Enter.
2 In the Drawing Settings dialog box, click the Entity Modification tab.
3 In the Change Settings For list, click Chamfer/Fillet and choose from the follow-
ing:
• Corners — Select to remove or retain portions of entities that extend beyond the
chamfer or fillet.
• Fillet radius — Specify the fillet radius or click Select to specify it by selecting
two points in the drawing.
• Chamfer Distances and Angles — Choose to use the distance-distance method
or distance-angle method when creating chamfers. The distance-distance
method creates a chamfer using two chamfer distances that you specify. The
distance-angle method creates a chamfer using a chamfer length and angle that
you specify.
4 Click OK.

Chamfering entities
You can connect two nonparallel entities by extending or trimming them and then
joining them with a line to create a beveled edge. You can chamfer lines, polylines,
rays, and infinite lines. When creating a chamfer, you can specify how far to trim the
entities back from their intersection (distance-distance method), or you can specify
the length of the chamfer and the angle it forms along the first entity (distance-angle
method).
 MODIFYING ENTITIES 305

When chamfering a polyline, you can chamfer multiple segments between two
selected polyline segments, or you can chamfer the entire polyline.

Chamfering two entities using the distance-distance method

To chamfer two entities using the distance-distance method
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Modify > Chamfer.
• On the Modify toolbar, click the Chamfer tool ( ).
• Type chamfer and then press Enter.
2 In the prompt box, choose Chamfer Settings.
3 In the Drawing Settings dialog box, click the Entity Modification tab.
4 Under Chamfer Distances And Angles, click Distance-Distance.
5 Under Chamfer Distances And Angles, specify the first and second chamfer
distances.
6 Click OK.
7 Select the first entity.
8 Select the second entity.

A C

B
D

Select the first (A) and second (B) entities. The chamfer is drawn, based on the first (C) and second (D)
chamfer distances.
306 CHAPTER 10

Chamfering two entities using the distance-angle method

To chamfer two entities using the distance-angle method
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Modify > Chamfer.
• On the Modify toolbar, click the Chamfer tool ( ).
• Type chamfer and then press Enter.
2 In the prompt box, choose Chamfer Settings.
3 In the Drawing Settings dialog box, click the Entity Modification tab.
4 Under Chamfer Distances And Angles, click Distance-Angle.
5 Under Chamfer Distances And Angles, specify the chamfer distance and angle.
6 Click OK.
7 Select the first entity.
8 Select the second entity.

A C

B
D

Select the first (A) and second (B) entities. The chamfer is drawn, based on the distance measured along the
first entity (C) and the angle (D) formed with the first entity.

Chamfering all vertices in a polyline

To chamfer all vertices in a polyline
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Modify > Chamfer.
• On the Modify toolbar, click the Chamfer tool ( ).
• Type chamfer and then press Enter.
2 In the prompt box, choose Polyline.
3 Select the polyline.
 MODIFYING ENTITIES 307

Original polyline. Result after chamfering.

Chamfering selected vertices in a polyline

To chamfer selected vertices in a polyline
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Modify > Chamfer.
• On the Modify toolbar, click the Chamfer tool ( ).
• Type chamfer and then press Enter.
2 Select the polyline along the segment where you want to begin the chamfer.
3 Select the polyline along the segment where you want to end the chamfer.

A B

Select the polyline along the (A) and (B) Result after chamfering.
segments.

Filleting entities
You can connect two entities with an arc of a specified radius to create a rounded
edge. You can fillet pairs of line segments, straight polyline segments, arcs, circles,
rays, and infinite lines. You can also fillet parallel lines, rays, and infinite lines. When
filleting a polyline, you can fillet multiple segments between two selected segments,
or you can fillet the entire polyline.
308 CHAPTER 10

Filleting two entities

To fillet two entities
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Modify > Fillet.
• On the Modify toolbar, click the Fillet tool ( ).
• Type fillet and then press Enter.
2 In the prompt box, choose Fillet Settings.
3 In the Drawing Settings dialog box, specify the fillet radius.
4 Click OK.
5 Select the first entity.
6 Select the second entity.

Select the first (A) and second (B) entities. Result after filleting.

Filleting an entire polyline

To fillet an entire polyline
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Modify > Fillet.
• On the Modify toolbar, click the Fillet tool ( ).
• Type fillet and then press Enter.
2 In the prompt box, choose Polyline.
3 Select the polyline.

Select the polyline (A). Result after filleting.

 MODIFYING ENTITIES 309

Filleting selected vertices in a polyline

To fillet selected vertices in a polyline
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Modify > Fillet.
• On the Modify toolbar, click the Fillet tool ( ).
• Type fillet and then press Enter.
2 Select the polyline along the segment where you want to begin the fillet.
3 Select the polyline along the segment where you want to end the fillet.

A B

Select the polyline along the (A) and (B) Result after filleting.
segments.
When you fillet circles and arcs, more than one fillet can exist between the entities.
The point at which you select the entities determines the fillet.
310 CHAPTER 10

Select entities (A and B). Results after filleting.

You can fillet parallel lines, rays, and infinite lines. The first entity must be a line or
ray; the second entity can be a line, ray, or infinite line. The diameter of the fillet arc
is always equal to the distance between the parallel entities. The current fillet radius is
ignored.

Original entities. Result after filleting.

 11

Working with text

You can insert text into your drawing and control its appearance, allowing you to pro-
vide additional information for your IntelliCAD drawings. This section explains how
to:
• Create line text.
• Create paragraphs.
• Create text styles.
• Format text.
• Change text.
• Change paragraph text.
• Check the spelling of text.
• Use an alternate text editor.
• Working with text written in different languages.

Topics in this chapter

Creating line text .............................................................................................. 312
Creating paragraph text.................................................................................... 312
Working with text styles.................................................................................... 316
Formatting text ................................................................................................. 317
Changing text ................................................................................................... 320
Using an alternate text editor ........................................................................... 327
Working with text written in different languages ............................................... 329
312 CHAPTER 11

Creating line text

When you create text, you end each line of text by pressing Enter. Each line of text is
created as a separate entity that you can modify.

To create text
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Draw > Text.
• On the Draw 2D toolbar, click the Text tool ( ).
• Type text and then press Enter.
2 Specify the insertion point for the first character.
3 Specify the height of the text.
4 Specify the text rotation angle.
5 Type the text, and then press Enter at the end of each new line.
6 To complete the command, press Enter again.

If you’ve already created text, new text can appear immediately below the previous text,
Choose Insert > Text. When prompted for an insertion point, press Enter. The new
text will keep the same height and rotation angle as the previous text.

Creating paragraph text

Paragraph text consists of one or more lines of text or paragraphs that fit within a
boundary width that you specify. Each paragraph text entity you create is treated as a
single entity regardless of the number of individual paragraphs or lines of text it
contains.
When you create paragraph text, you first determine the paragraph’s boundary width
by specifying the opposite corners of a rectangle. The paragraph text automatically
wraps so that it fits within this rectangle. The first corner of the rectangle determines
the default attachment point of the paragraph text. You can change the location of the
attachment point in reference to the rectangle, and you can determine the direction in
which text flows within the rectangle. You can also select the text and paragraph for-
mat, text style, text height, and the rotation angle of the entire paragraph text entity.
 WORKING WITH TEXT 313

To create paragraph text

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Draw > Multiline Text.
• On the Draw 2D toolbar, click the Multiline Text tool ( ).
• Type mtext and then press Enter.
2 Select the first corner of the text area.
3 In the MTEXT prompt box, select the properties you want to change, or proceed
directly to step 4.
You can select these properties in steps 7 and 8.
4 Select the second corner of the text area.
5 In the Multiline Text dialog box, click the Text tab.
6 In the window, type the text you want.
To create paragraphs, press Enter and continue typing.
7 Make any selections or changes you want to the following:
• Font, text height, bold, italic, underline, and color.
• Indents on the ruler. Move the upper left arrow to define the first line indent,
move the lower left arrow to define the paragraph indent, and move the right
arrow to define the right indent.
• Tabs on the ruler. Click the ruler to create tabs, move any tab marker to modify
its location, and drag any tab off the ruler to delete it.
Your selections affect highlighted text, or if no text is highlighted, new text when
you type it.
8 Click the Paragraph tab, and make selections or changes to the paragraph settings.
9 Click the Properties tab, and make selections or changes you want to the text box
Style, Justification, Width, and Rotation.
10 Click OK.

You can paste text from the Clipboard into the Multiline Text dialog box.
Press Ctrl + V to paste text from the clipboard.
314 CHAPTER 11

K J I H G F E

A
B

A Click to view and select text attributes.
B Select the text font.
C Mark the first line indent, paragraph indent, right indent,
and tabs.
D Type and select text.
E Click to display a menu of additional text options. For
more details about these options, click Help.
F Select or type the line height.
G Select or type a zoom magnification.
H Select BYBLOCK, BYLAYER, the color of your choice, or
choose Select Color to select from additional colors.
I Click to redo or undo the previous action.
J Click to bold, italicize, and underline text.
K Select or type the text font height.

H G F E

A Click to view and select paragraph text
properties.
B Click to select the paragraph text alignment.
C Mark the first line indent, paragraph indent, right
indent, and tabs.
D Type and select text.
E Click to display a menu of additional text options.
For more details about these options, click Help.
F Click a numbering style for paragraph text.
G Click to indent paragraph text left or right.
H Click to place a specific tab marker.
 WORKING WITH TEXT 315

G F E

A Click to view and select text style and text box D Type and select text.
properties.
E Select or type the text box angle.
B Select a text style.
F Select or the text box width option.
C Mark the first line indent, paragraph indent, right
G Select the text box justification.
indent, and tabs.
316 CHAPTER 11

Working with text styles

When you add text to a drawing, it uses the current text style. Text style determines
the font, size, angle, orientation, and other characteristics.
Every drawing has a default text style, named Standard, which initially uses the
icad.fnt font. You cannot delete the Standard style, but you can rename it or modify
it. You can change the font, the size of the font, and the obliquing angle applied to it.
If you change the font or orientation of an existing style, all existing text entities cre-
ated using that style are automatically updated to reflect the new font or orientation.
Changing any other characteristic has no effect on existing text. You also can create
and use an unlimited number of additional text styles.
The text style determines the characteristics shown in the following table.

Style characteristic Default Description

Style name Standard The name of the style, up to 255 characters.
Font file icad.fnt The font file on which the style is based.
Text height 0 The character height. A value of 0 prompts for text height upon insertion.
Width factor 1 The horizontal expansion or compression of the text. Values less than 1 compress the text;
values greater than 1 expand the text.
Obliquing angle 0 The slant of the text, in degrees. Negative values slant the text to the left; positive values slant
the text to the right.
Backward No Determines whether text appears backward.
Upside down No Determines whether text appears upside down.
Vertical No Determines whether text has a vertical orientation.

To create a text style

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Format > Text Styles Manager.
• On the Format toolbar, click the Text Styles Manager tool ( ).
• Type style and then press Enter.
2 Click New.
3 Type a new text style name, then click OK.
4 Under Text Font, select the name, style, and language of the font you want to use.
5 Under Text Measurements, enter the Fixed Text Height, Width Factor, and
Oblique Angle measurement.
6 Under Text Generation, select the check boxes you want to indicate the direction
for printed text to appear.
7 Click OK.
8 To begin using the new style, choose Draw > Text.
 WORKING WITH TEXT 317

9 In the prompt box, select Use Defined Style.

Formatting text
When you create text, you choose the text style and set the alignment. The style deter-
mines the font characteristics for the text. For line text, the alignment determines how
the text aligns with the text insertion point. For paragraph text, the alignment deter-
mines the location of the attachment point in relation to the paragraph text boundary
and the direction in which text flows within the boundary.

Setting the line text style

You can set the text style before you specify the insertion point. You select the text
style by typing the name of a previously defined style.

To specify a line text style

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Draw > Text.
• On the Draw 2D toolbar, click the Text tool ( ).
• Type dtext and then press Enter.
2 In the prompt box, choose Use Defined Style.
3 Type the name of a previously defined text style, and then press Enter.
To display a list of available text styles, type a question mark (?), and then press
Enter.
4 Specify the text insertion point.
5 Specify the text height.
6 Specify the rotation angle.
7 Type the text line, and then press Enter.
8 To complete the command, press Enter again.
318 CHAPTER 11

Setting the paragraph text style

You can set the paragraph text style before you specify the insertion point. You select
the text style by typing the name of a previously defined style.

To specify a paragraph text style

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Draw > Multiline Text.
• On the Draw 2D toolbar, click the Multiline Text tool ( ).
• Type mtext and then press Enter.
2 Specify the first point of the Multiline Text box.
3 In the prompt box, choose Text Style.
4 Type the name of a previously defined text style, and then press Enter.
5 Specify the text height.
6 Specify the rotation angle.
7 Specify the opposite corner of the Multiline Text box.
8 Type the text, and then press Enter.
9 To complete the command, press Enter again.

Setting the line text alignment

When you create text, you can set the text alignment before you specify the insertion
point. You set the alignment by choosing it in the prompt box. By default, text is left
justified. You can align text at the left, center, or right and at the top, middle, or base-
line of the text or at the bottom of descending letters.

N M K
A
L
B J

C I

H
D E F G

A Top left H Baseline

B Middle left I Right
C Left J Middle right
D Bottom left K Top right
E Center L Middle
F Bottom center M Middle center
G Bottom right N Top center
 WORKING WITH TEXT 319

You can also align text so that it fits or aligns between two points. The Align option
creates text that scales up or down while maintaining a constant height/width ratio;
the Fit option expands or compresses the text to fit between the two points.

Text aligned between two points maintains a Text fit between two points expands or compresses
constant height/width ratio. to fit.
To specify the line text alignment
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Draw > Text.
• On the Draw 2D toolbar, click the Text tool( ).
• Type dtext and then press Enter.
2 In the prompt box, choose an alignment option, or choose Justification Options to
display all the justification options.
3 Specify the text insertion point, and then continue creating the line text.

Setting the paragraph text alignment

When you create paragraph text, you can set the text alignment by specifying the
attachment point location in relation to the paragraph text boundary and the direction
in which text flows within the boundary. You can set the paragraph text alignment
either in the prompt box displayed after you specify the first corner of the paragraph
text boundary or from the Multiline Text dialog box. You can specify the attachment
point at the top left, top center, top right, middle left, middle center, middle right, bot-
tom left, bottom center, or bottom right. The paragraph text can flow left to right,
right to left, top to bottom, or bottom to top.

Including special text characters

You can use control codes to overscore or underscore text or to include special char-
acters. Both overscore and underscore can be active at the same time. To include con-
trol codes, as you type text, type two percent symbols (%%) followed by the special
control code or character. A single percent sign is treated as a normal text character.
A triple-percent control code is provided for those instances where a control-code
sequence must follow a percent sign in the text.
320 CHAPTER 11

Special text characters

Control code Function
%%o Toggles overscore mode on and off.
%%u Toggles underscore mode on and off.
%%d Draws a degree symbol (º).
%%p Draws the plus-or-minus symbol (±).
%%c Draws the circle diameter symbol (Ø).
%%% Forces a single percent sign.
%%nnn Draws special character number nnn.

Text created using special text characters: Ut wisi %%uenim%%d ad%%p%%u minim %%c %%oveniam.

Changing text
You can change line and paragraph text in your drawing.

Changing line text

You can edit and modify the text as you would any other drawing entity. That is, you
can delete, move, rotate, and scale text.

To edit text and its properties

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Modify > Entities > Text.
• On the Modify toolbar, click the Edit Text tool ( ).
• Type ddedit and then press Enter.
2 Select the text entity.
3 In the Text dialog box, edit the text.
4 Change the text properties you want.

The Text dialog box displays when EDITTEXTMODE is set to 3 (the default).
If the TEXTEDITMODE system variable is set to 1 or 2, line text is edited in the com-
mand bar or Properties pane respectively instead of the Text dialog box.
 WORKING WITH TEXT 321

Changing paragraph text

You can modify the text as you would any other drawing entity. That is, you can
delete, move, rotate, and scale text.

To edit paragraph text and its properties

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Modify > Entities > Text.
• On the Modify toolbar, click the Edit Text tool ( ).
• Type ddedit and then press Enter.
2 Select the text entity.
3 In the Multiline Text dialog box, edit the text.
4 Change the text properties you want.
5 Click OK.

Finding and replacing text

You can search and optionally replace text throughout a drawing, within a layout, or
within selected entities.
IntelliCAD searches and displays a list of matching text. Each found text item has an
associated entity type to help you identify its location in the drawing. Entity types can
include single-line text, multiline text, dimension leaders, hyperlinks, alternate text,
paperspace and modelspace. Note that some types of dimension leaders are listed as
multiline text because of the way dimensions are created.
Any replacements made to the text are visible in the drawing after you click Done.

To find an optionally replace text

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Edit > Find and Replace.
• On the Standard toolbar, click the Find and Replace tool ( ).
• Type find and then press Enter.
2 In Find What, type the text you want to search for, or select previously entered text
from the list.
3 In Find Where, select the location where you want to search:
• Entire drawing Searches the entire drawing.

• Current layout Searches the current layout only.

• Selected entities Searches selected entities only. You can click ( ) to switch
to the drawing temporarily and select entities.
4 In Text Types, select the text types you want to include in the search.
5 In Search Options, select the desired search options.
6 Click Find to displays a list of all matching text.
322 CHAPTER 11

7 To replace text, do the following:

• In Replace With, enter or select the new text.
• In the list of found text, select the text to replace.
• Click Replace.

Use a shortcut for replacing text.

Click Replace All to replace all matching text without finding it first.

8 Click Done to view text changes (if any) in the drawing.

A R
Q
B

D P
E O
F N
G M
L

H I J K
A Type or select the text to find. J Click to find matching text.
B Type or select the text to replace found text with K Click when finished and to see changes in the
(optional). drawing.
C Displays all found text. L Select to search block attribute values.
D Select to find only text that matches the upper and M Select to search both dimension and leader text.
lower case specified in Find What. N Select to search both single-line and multiline text.
E Select to find only whole words that match the text in O Select to search hyperlinks.
Find What.
P Select to search hyperlink descriptions.
F Select to include external references in the search.
Q Select where to search for text: the entire drawing,
G Select to include blocks in the search. the current layout, or selected entities.
H Click to replace selected text in the Location list with R Click to switch to the drawing and select entities to
text from Replace With. search.
I Click to replace all matching text without searching
first.
 WORKING WITH TEXT 323

Checking the spelling

You can check the spelling of text in your drawing, customize the dictionary to recog-
nize new words, and use a different spelling dictionary that supports another lan-
guage.

Checking the spelling of text

You can use the Check Spelling command to check the spelling of single-line text,
multiline text, paragraph text, attributes, attribute definitions, and dimension text.

To check the spelling of text

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Check Spelling.
• On the Standard toolbar, click the Check Spelling tool ( ).
• Type spell and then press Enter.
2 Select one or more text entities.
3 In the Check Spelling dialog box, misspelled words display one at a time. Do one
of the following for each found word:
• Keep text unchanged — Click Ignore to keep the found word unchanged in the
drawing, or click Ignore All to keep all instances of the found word unchanged
in the drawing.
• Change text — Select or type a word in the Suggestions box, then click Change
to change the found word in the drawing to the new text, or click Change All to
change all instances of the found word in the drawing.
4 Click Add if you want to add the currently found word to a list of custom spelling
words. The Check Spelling dialog will recognize the added word as spelled cor-
rectly the next time the word is checked for spelling.
324 CHAPTER 11

B
K
C J
I
H
G
F
E

A Displays the current dictionary.
B Displays the misspelled word and its context in the
drawing.
C Displays (or you can type) a new word to replace the
misspelled word in the drawing.
D Click to select a new word to replace the currently
found misspelled word.
E Click to select a new dictionary or modify a custom
dictionary.
F Click to add the suggested word to the custom
dictionary.
G Click to suggest additional words based on the
selected word in the Suggestions list.
H Click to change all instances of the misspelled word
to the suggested word.
I Click to change a single instance of the misspelled
word to the suggested word.
J Click to skip all instances of the misspelled word.
K Click to skip a single instance of the misspelled word
without changing it.

Customizing the spelling words

Most drawings contain text that is not recognized as spelled correctly, even though it
is spelled correctly. For example, if your company name Zaffer, Inc. appears in all of
your drawings, the company name will appear as misspelled every time you check the
spelling of drawing text. You can easily add words to a custom dictionary so that any
word in the custom dictionary is recognized as spelled correctly.
The custom dictionary is independent of any spelling dictionary you have chosen to
use. You can check the spelling of text using one dictionary, check the spelling of the
same or other text using a different dictionary, and in both cases your custom diction-
ary is used.
 WORKING WITH TEXT 325

To create and manage a custom dictionary

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Check Spelling.
• On the Standard toolbar, click the Check Spelling tool ( ).
• Type spell and then press Enter.
2 Select one or more text entities.
3 In the Check Spelling dialog box, click Change Dictionaries.
4 To add a custom word, type a word in Custom Dictionary Words, then click Add.
5 To delete a custom word, select a word in Custom Dictionary Words, then click
Delete.
6 Click OK.

F
E

A D
B C

A Type a word for the custom dictionary.
B Displays the words in the custom dictionary.
C Click to delete the currently selected word from the
custom dictionary.
D Click to add the current word in the edit box (A) to the
custom dictionary.
E Click to select a different custom dictionary.
F Displays the custom dictionary filename. You can
type a new path and filename or click Browse to
select a file.

You can also add custom words to the custom dictionary during spell checking of text.
In the Check Spelling dialog box, click Add to add the currently found word to the
custom dictionary.
326 CHAPTER 11

Changing the dictionary

The Check Spelling command compares text found in the drawing with correctly
spelled words in an installed dictionary (.dic file). There are many different dictionar-
ies that can be used with IntelliCAD, including dictionaries in different languages.
You can download and install a new dictionary or use a dictionary already installed
on your computer.

To download and install a new dictionary

1 Choose Tools > Check Spelling, select one or more text entities, then in the Check
Spelling dialog box, click Change Dictionaries.
2 Click Download.
3 From the web page that displays (or from a different web page), download the
desired dictionary.
4 Unzip the contents of the downloaded file to \MyDocuments\Spelling, or the loca-
tion where you installed spelling dictionaries for IntelliCAD.
5 Click Change Dictionaries again, which will load the newly installed dictionary.
6 In Main Dictionary, select the desired dictionary.
7 Click OK.

A
B

A Select the desired spelling dictionary. B Click to open the default Internet browser to a web
page where you can download spelling dictionaries in
different languages.
 WORKING WITH TEXT 327

To use a dictionary already installed on your computer

1 Do one of the following:
• Copy the existing dictionary (.dic file) to \MyDocuments\Spelling, or to the
location where you install spelling dictionaries for IntelliCAD.
• Add the folder of the existing dictionary to the list of folders where IntelliCAD
searches for dictionaries. Choose Tools > Options, click Paths/Files and add the
folder location to the Dictionary paths. For more details, see “Changing the
options on the Paths/Files tab” on page 525.
2 Choose Tools > Check Spelling, select one or more text entities, then in the
Check Spelling dialog box, click Change Dictionaries.
3 In Main Dictionary, select the desired dictionary.
4 Click OK.

Using an alternate text editor

IntelliCAD includes a built-in text editor for creating paragraph text using the Multi-
line Text command. You can also specify an alternate text editor for the Multiline
Text command.

Selecting an alternate text editor

Before you can use an alternate text editor, you must specify the editor by setting the
MTEXTED system variable.

To select an alternate text editor

1 Type mtexted and then press Enter.

2 Enter the path and name of the executable file for the text editor you want to use to
create or edit multiline text. For example, to use Microsoft® Wordpad, you would
type something similar to the following (adjusting the path name as necessary):
C:\Program Files\Windows\Accessories\Wordpad.exe

Creating paragraph text in an alternate text editor

After you set up IntelliCAD to use an alternate text editor, you can start using it to
include text in your drawings.
328 CHAPTER 11

To use an alternate text editor

1 Do one of the following:

• Choose Draw > Multiline Text.

• On the Draw 2D toolbar, click the Multiline Text tool ( ).
• Type mtext and then press Enter.
2 Select the first and second corners of the text area.
3 In the Multiline Text dialog box, click the Text tab.
4 In the window, type the text you want, using the special characters from the table
shown next to achieve special formatting. Enter \P to end a paragraph and start a
new paragraph on the next line. For example, to use an alignment value of 1 and
stack two numbers to display them as a fraction:
{\A1;\S1/2;}\P
5 When your text is complete, save the changes and exit the text editor.

Special format character Function

\0...\o Toggles overscore mode on and off.
\L...\l Toggles underscore mode on and off.
\~ Inserts a nonbreaking space.
\\ Inserts a backslash.
\{...\} Inserts an opening and closing brace.
\Cvalue; Sets the color to a specified value.
\File name; Sets the font based on a specified font file name.
\Hvalue; Sets the text height to a specified value.
\Hvaluex; Sets the text height to a multiple of the current text height.
\S...^...; Stacks the subsequent text at the /, #, or ^ symbol.
\Tvalue; Adjusts the space between characters, from 0.75 to 4 times.
\Qangle; Changes obliquing angle.
\Wvalue; Changes width factor to produce wide text.
\A Sets the alignment value.
\P Ends paragraph.
\p[i],[l],[tX1,X2,...,X32] Formats paragraph: i = first line indent; l = paragraph offset; t = tab
positions.
 WORKING WITH TEXT 329

Working with text written in different languages

You can include text in your drawings that is written in different languages.

Using Unicode characters

IntelliCAD supports the Unicode character encoding standard, which enables you to
display and write text in different languages using different letters. Unicode fonts
contain many more characters than typically defined in a system. The following table
describes only a small set that is available

Unicode control code Function

\U+00B0 Draws a degree symbol (º).
\U+00B1 Draws the plus-or-minus symbol (±).
\U+0394 Draws the delta symbol (∆).
\U+2205 Draws the circle diameter symbol (Ø).
\U+03A9 Draws the omega symbol (Ω).
\U+2260 Draws the not equal symbol (≠).

For details about using other special characters, see “Including special text charac-
ters” on page 319 in this chapter. You can also use a different text editor; see “Using
an alternate text editor” on page 327 in this chapter.

Specifying character sets for drawings

The character set used to display text in drawings typically depends on the character
set specified by your operating system, for example, ANSI_1252 is Latin 1,
ANSI_1253 is Greek, and ANSI_1254 is Turkish. This is also called the code page.
IntelliCAD allows you to manage which code page is assigned to a drawing. This
unique feature is usually not necessary if you distribute drawings within the same
geographic region, but it can be very helpful when sharing or distributing drawings
between different geographic regions. Changing the code page is highly desirable
especially in geographic regions where several languages are used that require differ-
ent character sets to display text properly.
Setting the code page doesn’t change the language of your text; instead it specifies
the character set in which the text displays. Some fonts can display its characters sev-
eral different ways depending on the code page setting.
There are two system variables that relate to the code page of a drawing:
• SYSCODEPAGE — Character set defined for your operating system.
• DWGCODEPAGE — Character set defined for an individual drawing that over-
rides the operating system code page.
330 CHAPTER 11

To select a code page for the current drawing

1 Type codepage and then press Enter.
The Code Page Manager dialog box opens.
2 If you want to convert the drawing to use a code page that is different from the
operating system code page, in Drawing Code Page, select the new code page for
the drawing.
3 Click OK.

A
B

A Displays the code page for the operating system. B Select the code page for the current drawing.
 12

Dimensioning your drawing

The IntelliCAD dimensioning tools let you add measurements to a drawing. You can
quickly add dimensions by simply pointing to entities. You can also add tolerance
symbols to your drawings.
The program’s many dimensioning variables let you control the appearance of the
dimensions. With dimension styles, you can save dimension variable settings so you
can reuse them without having to re-create them.
This section explains how to:
• Create dimensions as linear, angular, arcs, diametral, radial, and ordinate.
• Create leaders and annotations.
• Edit dimensions.
• Use dimension styles and variables.
• Add geometric tolerances.
• Control dimension tolerance.
• Control alternate dimension units.

Topics in this chapter

Understanding dimensioning concepts............................................................. 332
Creating dimensions ......................................................................................... 334
Editing dimensions............................................................................................ 347
Using dimension styles and variables............................................................... 350
Adding geometric tolerances ............................................................................ 364
332 CHAPTER 12

Understanding dimensioning concepts

You can create five basic types of dimensions: linear, angular, radial, diametral, and
ordinate. You can create dimensions for existing entities by selecting them, or you
can create dimensions by selecting points within a drawing. For example, you can
create a linear dimension either by selecting the entity to be dimensioned or by speci-
fying the first and second extension line origins.

G
A
F
H E

A Radial dimension. E Aligned dimension.

B Vertical linear dimension. F Diametral dimension.
C Angular dimension. G Horizontal linear dimension.
D Linear continued dimensions. H Linear baseline dimension.
When you create a dimension, the program draws it on the current layer, using the
current dimension style. Each dimension has a corresponding dimension style, which
controls the appearance of the dimension, such as the types of arrowheads, text style,
and colors of various components. You can modify existing dimension styles by
changing one of the dimension variable settings and then updating the dimension
style to reflect the new settings.
Each dimension you create consists of several parts. A dimension line shows where a
dimension begins and ends. When you create an angular dimension, the dimension
line is a dimension line arc that subtends the measured angle.
 DIMENSIONING YOUR DRAWING 333

Extension lines, also called projection lines, are lines that extend away from the entity
for which you are creating a dimension, so that you can place the dimension line
away from the entity. Arrowheads form the termination at each end of the dimension
line.
Dimension text contains the measured dimension and can also include prefixes, suf-
fixes, tolerances, and other optional text. As you insert dimensions, you can control
the dimension text and specify its position and orientation.

C D
B
A

A Extension line. C Dimension line.

B Arrowhead. D Dimension text.
Dimensions can also contain other optional components. A leader is a line leading
from a feature of the drawing to an annotation. Leaders begin with an arrowhead, and
you can use them to place a dimension away from the dimension line or to add notes.
When you create a radial dimension, you can add a center mark, which is a small
cross that marks the center of a circle or an arc, or you can add centerlines, which are
crossing lines that extend out from the center of a circle or an arc.

Leader. Center mark. Centerlines.

Dimensions can be one of three types:
• Associative — A dimension is linked with the entities it measures. If the entities
being measured by the dimension are modified, the dimension is updated automat-
ically. Newly created dimensions are associative when DIMASSOC is set to 2
(default) and created using entity snaps.
334 CHAPTER 12

• Non-associative — A dimension is not linked with the entities it measures. If the

entities being measured by the dimension are modified, the dimension is not
updated automatically. Newly created dimensions are non-associative when
DIMASSOC is set to 1.
• Exploded — Dimensions are created as separate entities, not a single dimension
entity. Newly created dimensions are exploded when DIMASSOC is set to 0.

Creating dimensions
You can create dimensions by:
• Selecting the entity to dimension and specifying the dimension line location.
• Specifying the extension line origins and the dimension line location.
When you create dimensions by selecting an entity, the program automatically places
the extension line origins at the appropriate definition points based on the type of
entity you select. For example, the definition points are located at the endpoints of
arcs, lines, and polyline segments. When you create dimensions by specifying the
extension line origins, the points you specify determine the definition points. To
establish these points precisely, use entity snaps.
You can create dimensions in model space or paper space.

Creating linear dimensions

Linear dimensions annotate linear distances or lengths and can be oriented horizon-
tally, vertically, or aligned parallel to an existing entity or to the selected extension
origin points. After you create a linear dimension, you can add a baseline dimension
or a continued dimension. A linear baseline dimension inserts an additional dimen-
sion from a common first extension line origin of a previous linear dimension. A lin-
ear continued dimension continues a linear dimension from the second extension line
of a previous linear dimension.

Selecting exact points is important when creating dimensions.

Use entity snaps to select precise ordinate points.
 DIMENSIONING YOUR DRAWING 335

To create a horizontal or vertical dimension

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Dimensions > Linear.
• On the Dimensioning toolbar, click the Linear tool ( ).
• Type dimlinear and then press Enter.
2 Press Enter, and then select the entity to dimension.
Or, you can insert the dimension by specifying the first and second extension line
origins.
3 Specify the dimension line location.

B
A

To insert a linear dimension by selecting the entity, select Result.

the entity (A) to dimension, and then specify the
dimension line location (B).

C B
A

To insert a linear dimension by selecting the extension Result.

line origins, select the first extension origin (A), select the
second extension origin (B), and then specify the
dimension line location (C).
336 CHAPTER 12

To create an aligned dimension

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Dimensions > Aligned.
• On the Dimensioning toolbar, click the Aligned tool ( ).
• Type dimaligned and then press Enter.
2 Press Enter, and then select the entity to dimension.
Or, you can insert the dimension by specifying the first and second extension line
origins.
3 Specify the dimension line location.

B
A

To insert an aligned dimension by selecting the entity, select Result.

the entity (A) to dimension, and then select the dimension line
location (B).

C B
A

To insert an aligned dimension by selecting the extension line Result.

origins, select the first extension origin (A), select the second
extension origin (B), and then specify the dimension line location
(C).
To create a linear baseline dimension
1 Create a dimension.
2 Do one of the following:
• Choose Dimensions > Baseline.
• On the Dimensioning toolbar, click the Baseline tool ( ).
• Type dimbaseline and then press Enter.
3 To select a starting dimension, press Enter.
4 Select the next extension line origin, and then press Enter.
Or press Enter, and then select an existing dimension for the baseline. Select the
origin of the next extension line, and then press Enter.
 DIMENSIONING YOUR DRAWING 337

The program automatically places the new baseline dimension above or below the
previous dimension line. The distance between the two dimension lines is determined
by the Baseline Offset value in the Dimension Styles dialog box.

A B

To add a baseline dimension to an existing linear dimension, select the existing dimension (A), select the
next extension line origin (B), and select as many additional points as you want (C).

Result.
To create a linear continued dimension
1 Create a dimension.
2 Do one of the following:
• Choose Dimensions > Continue.
• On the Dimensioning toolbar, click the Continue tool ( ).
• Type dimcontinue and then press Enter.
3 To select a starting dimension, press Enter.
4 Select the next extension line origin, and then press Enter.
Or press Enter, and then select an existing dimension to continue.
5 To add continued dimensions, continue selecting extension line origins.
6 To end the command, press Enter twice.
338 CHAPTER 12

A B

To add a continued dimension to an existing linear dimension, select the existing dimension (A), select the
next extension line origin (B), and select another extension line origin (C).

Result.
 DIMENSIONING YOUR DRAWING 339

Creating angular dimensions

Angular dimensions annotate the angle measured between two lines. You can also
dimension an angle by selecting an angle vertex and two endpoints. After you create
an angular dimension, you can add a baseline dimension or a continued dimension.
An angular baseline dimension inserts an additional dimension from a common first
extension line origin of a previous angular dimension. An angular continued dimen-
sion continues an angular dimension from the second extension line of a previous
angular dimension.

To dimension an angle encompassed by an arc

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Dimensions > Angular.
• On the Dimensioning toolbar, click the Angular tool ( ).
• Type dimangular and then press Enter.
2 Select the arc.
3 Specify the dimension arc location.

To dimension the angle subtended by an arc, select Result.

the arc (A), and then specify the dimension arc
location (B).
340 CHAPTER 12

To dimension an angle between two lines

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Dimensions > Angular.
• On the Dimensioning toolbar, click the Angular tool ( ).
• Type dimangular and then press Enter.
2 Select one line.
3 Select the other line.
4 Specify the dimension line location.

C
B

Select one line (A), select the other line (B), and then Result.
specify the dimension line location (C).
 DIMENSIONING YOUR DRAWING 341

Creating arc dimensions

Arc dimensions annotate length of an arc or arc segment. You can also dimension a
portion of an arc by selecting two points. After you create an arc dimension, you can
change its text to the arc angle or to any other text.

To dimension an arc length

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Dimensions > Arc.
• On the Dimensioning toolbar, click the Arc tool ( ).
• Type dimarc and then press Enter.
2 Select the arc or arc segment.
3 Specify the dimension arc location.

To dimension part of an arc length

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Dimensions > Arc.
• On the Dimensioning toolbar, click the Arc tool ( ).
• Type dimarc and then press Enter.
2 Choose Partial.
3 Select the start point of the arc length you want to measure.
4 Select the end point.
342 CHAPTER 12

Creating diametral and radial dimensions

Diameter and radius dimensions annotate the radii and diameters of arcs and circles.
You can optionally include centerlines or center marks.

To create a diametral dimension

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Dimensions > Diameter.
• On the Dimensioning toolbar, click the Diameter tool ( ).
• Type dimdiameter and then press Enter.
2 Select the arc or circle.
3 Specify the dimension line location.

A B

Select the circle (A), and then specify the dimension Result.
line location (B).
To create a radial dimension
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Dimensions > Radius.
• On the Dimensioning toolbar, click the Radius tool ( ).
• Type dimradius and then press Enter.
2 Select the arc or circle.
3 Specify the dimension line location.

A B

Select the circle (A), and then specify the dimension line Result.
location (B).
 DIMENSIONING YOUR DRAWING 343

Creating ordinate dimensions

An ordinate dimension annotates the perpendicular distance from an origin or base
point (the origin of the current user coordinate system [UCS]). Ordinate dimensions
consist of an x- or y-coordinate and a leader. An x-ordinate dimension measures dis-
tances along the x-axis; a y-ordinate dimension measures distances along the y-axis.
As you select ordinate points, the program automatically determines whether the
point is an x- or y-ordinate based on which direction you drag the second point. You
can also specify whether the ordinate represents an x- or y-ordinate. Ordinate dimen-
sion text is always aligned with the ordinate leader lines, regardless of the text orien-
tation specified by the current dimension style.

Ordinate dimensions measure the distance along the x- or y-axis from an origin to a selected ordinate point.

To create an ordinate dimension

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Dimensions > Ordinate.
• On the Dimensioning toolbar, click the Ordinate tool ( ).
• Type dimordinate and then press Enter.
2 Select the point for ordinate dimension.
3 Specify the ordinate leader endpoint.
344 CHAPTER 12

A B

Select the ordinate point (A), and then specify the ordinate leader endpoint (B).

Selecting exact points is important when creating dimensions.

Use entity snaps to select precise ordinate points.

Creating leaders and annotations

Leaders consist of a line or series of lines that connects a feature in a drawing to an
annotation. Generally, you place an arrowhead at the first point. An annotation, cre-
ated as dimension text, is placed immediately adjacent to the last point. By default,
the text placed at the end of the leader line consists of the most recent dimension. You
can also type an annotation as a single line of text.

To create a leader and an annotation

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Dimensions > Leader.
• On the Dimensioning toolbar, click the Leader tool ( ).
• Type dimleader and then press Enter.
2 Specify the starting point of the leader.
3 Specify the endpoint of the leader line segment.
4 Specify additional leader line segment endpoints.
5 After you specify the last endpoint, press Enter.
6 Type the annotation, or press Enter to accept the most recent dimension as the
default annotation.
 DIMENSIONING YOUR DRAWING 345

Specify the starting point of the leader (A) Result.

and the endpoint of the leader line segment
(B).

Dimensioning model space entities in paper space

To increase efficiency, you can separate your drawing model from annotations using
the Model and Layout tabs.
It takes time to display dimensions, title blocks, keynotes, and other annotations. If
you draw these on a Layout tab, display-time and visual clutter are reduced when you
work on your model (on the Model tab). IntelliCAD allows you to dimension model
space entities on either the Model tab or a Layout tab — you can make the choice
depending on the method that works best for your needs.

To dimension model space entities in paper space

1 Click a Layout tab.
2 Create at least one layout viewport. For details, see “Creating layout viewports”
on page 416.
3 Lock the desired layout viewport by doing the following:
• Right-click the edge of the layout viewport that you want to use for creating
dimensions.
• Choose Properties.
• Mark Lock Viewport, and then click OK.
Locking the viewport is not required, but it is extremely helpful when you zoom or
pan in the layout viewport; it prevents the viewport scale and view center from
changing.
346 CHAPTER 12

You can work in a layout viewport without having it clutter your display or selections.
Place layout viewports on their own layer, and after locking the layout viewports,
hide the layer that contains them.

4 Make sure you are working in paper space by verifying that the Model/Paper
Space toggle in the status bar begins with “P.” If necessary, switch to paper space
by double-clicking the Model/Paper Space toggle in the status bar.
5 Create a dimension. You can select the model space entities directly, specify defi-
nition points, or use entities snaps to help accurately select the definition points.
The dimension is created in paper space.

For more details about using paper space and model space, see “Understanding paper
space and model space” on page 410.
 DIMENSIONING YOUR DRAWING 347

Editing dimensions
You can use grips to edit entity dimensions. You can also edit the dimension text.
You can rotate dimension lines and dimension text at any angle, and you can reposi-
tion the dimension text anywhere along the dimension line.

Making dimensions oblique

Extension lines are normally created at a perpendicular angle to the dimension line.
You can change the angle of the extension lines, however, so that they tilt relative to
the dimension line.

To make oblique extension lines

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Dimensions > Make Oblique.
• On the Dimensioning toolbar, click the Make Oblique tool ( ).
• Type dimedit, press Enter, and then in the prompt box, choose Oblique Lines.
2 Select the linear dimension, and then press Enter.
3 Type the obliquing angle, and then press Enter.

Select the dimension to be made oblique (A), and then type Result.
the obliquing angle.

You can align the oblique angle if you don’t know the exact measurement.
Use entity snaps to pick two points on the entity.

Editing dimension text

You can rotate the text of an existing dimension, move the dimension text to a new
position, or replace selected dimension text with new text. You can also restore
dimension text to its original position as defined by the current dimension style.
When you rotate or replace selected text, you specify the change first, and then select
one or more dimensions to which to apply the change. All the selected dimensions are
updated simultaneously.
348 CHAPTER 12

To rotate dimension text

Advanced experience level
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Dimensions > Rotate Dimension Text.
• On the Dimensioning toolbar, click the Rotate Dimension Text tool ( ).
• Type dimedit, press Enter, and then in the prompt box, choose Rotate Text.
2 Type the new dimension text angle, and then press Enter.
3 Select the dimension to be rotated, and then press Enter.

Select the dimension to be rotated (A), and then Result.

type the rotation angle.

The dimension text angle is relative to the dimension line.

If the dimension text rotation is set to zero, the text angle is defined by the dimension
type and the dimension style.

To move dimension text

Advanced experience level
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Dimensions > Reposition Dimension Text.
• On the Dimensioning toolbar, click the Reposition Dimension Text tool ( ).
• Type dimtedit and then press Enter.
2 Select the dimension to reposition text.
3 Select the new text position.
 DIMENSIONING YOUR DRAWING 349

A
B

Select the dimension to be moved (A), and then select Result.

the new text position (B).
To restore dimension text to its home position
Advanced experience level
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Dimensions > Restore Text Position.
• On the Dimensioning toolbar, click the Restore Text Position tool ( ).
• Type dimedit, press Enter, and then in the prompt box, choose Restore Text.
2 Select the dimension text to restore, and then press Enter.

To replace existing dimension text with new text

Advanced experience level
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Dimensions > Edit Dimension Text.
• On the Dimensioning toolbar, click the Edit Dimension Text tool ( ).
• Type dimedit and then in the prompt box, choose Edit Text.
2 Type the new dimension text, and then press Enter.
3 Select the dimension to be replaced, and then press Enter.
350 CHAPTER 12

Using dimension styles and variables

Dimensions that you insert are created using the current dimension style. You can
create, save, restore, and delete named dimension styles.
To display information about the current dimension style and compare it with other
style names, you can use the dimstyle command.

Creating a dimension style

Dimension styles provide a way for you to change various settings that control the
appearance of dimensions. You can then save those settings for reuse. If you don’t
define a dimension style before creating dimensions, the program uses the Standard
dimension style, which stores the default dimension variable settings. Each option in
the Dimension Styles dialog box relates to a variable that you can set manually. See
the online Command Reference for more information.

To create a dimension style

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Dimensions > Dimension Styles Manager.
• Choose Format > Dimension Styles Manager.
• On the Dimensioning toolbar, click the Dimension Styles tool ( ).
• Type setdim and then press Enter.
2 In the Dimension Styles Manager dialog box, click New.
3 Type the name of the new dimension style.
4 Click Continue.
5 In the Dimension Styles dialog box, make your selections for the dimension style
as necessary.
6 When finished, click OK.
 DIMENSIONING YOUR DRAWING 351

Selecting a dimension style

To select a dimension style
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Dimensions > Dimension Styles Manager.
• Choose Format > Dimension Styles Manager.
• On the Dimensioning toolbar, click the Dimension Styles tool ( ).
• Type setdim and then press Enter.
2 In the Dimension Styles Manager dialog box, select a dimension style from the
list.
3 Click Set Current.
4 Click Close.

Renaming a dimension style

To rename a dimension style
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Dimensions > Dimension Styles Manager.
• Choose Format > Dimension Styles Manager.
• On the Dimensioning toolbar, click the Dimension Styles Manager tool ( ).
• Type setdim and then press Enter.
2 In the Dimension Styles Manager dialog box, click Rename.
3 In the Rename list, select the dimension style you want to rename.
4 Type the new dimension style name.
5 Click Rename.
6 Click OK.

Deleting a dimension style

To delete a named dimension style
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Dimensions > Dimension Styles Manager.
• Choose Format > Dimension Styles Manager.
• On the Dimensioning toolbar, click the Dimension Styles Manager tool ( ).
• Type setdim and then press Enter.
2 In the Dimension Styles dialog box, select the dimension style to delete.
3 Click Delete.
4 To confirm the deletion, click OK.
352 CHAPTER 12

5 Click OK.

To display information about the current style

1 Type dimstyle and then press Enter.
2 Type v and then press Enter to display information about the variables.
3 Type the dimension style name, and press Enter.

Controlling line settings

You can control settings affecting dimension lines, extension lines, and center marks.
Any changes you make affect the current dimension style. The image tile on the right
side of the Dimension Styles dialog box shows the appearance of the dimensions
based on the current dimension style settings.

A Extend past dimension. C Offset from origin.

B Baseline offset.

To set the color for dimension lines

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Dimensions > Dimension Styles Manager.
• Choose Format > Dimension Styles Manager.
• On the Dimensioning toolbar, click the Dimension Styles Manager tool ( ).
• Type setdim and then press Enter.
2 Click the Lines tab.
3 Make your selections.
4 Click OK.
 DIMENSIONING YOUR DRAWING 353

A
B
C
D
E
F
G

H
I
J O
K N
L M

A Select the dimension line color. H Select the extension line color.
B Select the dimension linetype. I Select the first extension line linetype.
C Click to manage linetypes in IntelliCAD Explorer. J Select the second extension line linetype.
D Select the dimension lineweight. K Select the extension lineweight.
E Type or select the distance that dimension lines L Click to prevent the creation of the first or second
extend beyond tick marks. extension line.
F Type or select the baseline offset distance (the M Click to set the length of extension lines to
distance to offset successive dimension lines always be a set length, then type or select the
when creating baseline dimensions) and the extension line length.
offset from origin (the distance extension lines N Type or select the distance to offset extension
are offset from their origin points). lines from dimension lines.
G Click to prevent the creation of the first or second O Type or select the distance to offset extension
dimension line. lines from their origin.
354 CHAPTER 12

Controlling dimension arrows

You can control the appearance and size of arrowheads or tick marks placed at the
ends of dimension lines. Any changes you make affect the current dimension style.
The arrowheads you choose display in the image tile on the right side of the Dimen-
sion Styles dialog box.
You can choose from a number of arrowhead types. You can specify different arrow-
heads for each end of a dimension line and for leader lines. The Starting arrow corre-
sponds to the first extension line; the Ending arrow corresponds to the second
extension line. Blocks defined in the drawing also display in the three Arrowhead
lists as user-defined arrows. You can use these blocks to create and assign your own
arrowheads.
The Arrow Size value determines the size of the arrowhead, measured in drawing
units. You can also use tick marks instead of arrowheads.

To choose an arrowhead
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Dimensions > Dimension Styles Manager.
• Choose Format > Dimension Styles Manager.
• On the Dimensioning toolbar, click the Dimension Styles Manager tool ( ).
• Type setdim and then press Enter.
2 Click the Symbols and Arrows tab.
3 In the Starting Arrowhead or Ending Arrowhead list, click to select the starting or
ending arrowhead, respectively. If necessary, mark Allow Separate Arrowheads if
you want to use different starting and ending arrowheads.
4 In the Leader Arrowhead list, click to select a leader arrowhead for leader lines.
5 Click OK.

Use the system variable.

The DIMLDRBLK system variable also specifies leader arrow types.
 DIMENSIONING YOUR DRAWING 355

D
E

F
K

G
H J

A Select to enable the ability to use different G Select the symbol for center marks.
starting and ending arrowheads. H Type or select center mark size. Positive values
B Click to select a starting arrowhead, or click the create a center mark. Negative values create
arrowhead picture to scroll the list automatically. centerlines.
C Click to select an ending arrowhead, or click the I Type or select the angle for the jog of radius
arrowhead picture to scroll the list automatically. dimensions.
D Click to select a leader arrowhead, or click the J Type or select the scale factor for the jog height
arrowhead picture to scroll the list automatically. of linear dimensions.
E Type or select arrowhead size. K Select where to position arc symbols for arc
F Select to enable tick marks instead of dimensions.
arrowheads, then type or select tick mark size.
356 CHAPTER 12

Controlling dimension text

You can control the settings affecting the appearance of dimension text. Any changes
you make affect the current dimension style. The image tile on the right side of the
Dimension Styles dialog box shows the appearance of the dimensions based on the
current dimension style settings.

Text between extension lines aligned Text between extension lines

horizontally. aligned with dimension line.

To align dimension text with the dimension line

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Dimensions > Dimension Styles Manager.
• Choose Format > Dimension Styles Manager.
• On the Dimensioning toolbar, click the Dimension Styles Manager tool ( ).
• Type setdim and then press Enter.
2 Click the Text tab.
3 Make your selections.
4 Click OK.
 DIMENSIONING YOUR DRAWING 357

A
B
C
D
E

F
G
H
I

J M
K L

A Click to select the text style used for dimension
text. Click Explorer to manage text styles in
IntelliCAD Explorer.
B Select the dimension text color.
C Select none, drawing color, or user color for the
dimension text background color.
D Select the color for dimension text backgrounds
(available if User Color is selected for Text
Background).
E Type or select the text height, measured in
drawing units.
F Select the vertical justification of dimension text.
G Type or select the vertical text offset distance.
H Select the horizontal justification of dimension text.
I Select the view direction of dimension text.
J Select the alignment when dimension text is
outside extension lines.
K Select the alignment when dimension text is inside
extension lines.
L Type or select the distance around the dimension
text.
M Click to include a frame around dimension text.
358 CHAPTER 12

Controlling dimension fit

You can control the way dimension text and arrowheads are placed in relation to the
dimension lines. Any changes you make affect the current dimension style. The
image tile on the right side of the Dimension Styles dialog box shows the appearance
of dimensions based on the current dimension style settings.
The program determines whether both dimension text and arrowheads will fit
between the extension lines by comparing the distance between the extension lines to
the size of the dimension text, the size of the arrowheads, and the amount of space
required around dimension text. The program applies the best fit method based on the
available space. If possible, both the dimension text and arrowheads are placed
between the extension lines. If both will not fit between the extension lines, you can
determine how text and arrowheads are placed using the Fit Method settings on the
Dimension Styles dialog box.

Text and arrowheads placed Text placed between extension Text placed above
outside extension lines. lines and arrowheads outside dimension line with a leader
extension lines. connecting the text to the
dimension line.

To format the fit of dimensions

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Dimensions > Dimension Styles Manager.
• Choose Format > Dimension Styles Manager.
• On the Dimensioning toolbar, click the Dimension Styles Manager tool ( ).
• Type setdim and then press Enter.
2 Click the Fit tab.
3 Click the options that you want.
4 Click OK.

Use the system variables.

The DIMATFIT system variable specifies how dimension text and arrows are
arranged. The DIMTMOVE system variable specifies how dimension text is moved.
 DIMENSIONING YOUR DRAWING
B
C
A Select how to fit text and arrows if they both do
not fit inside extension lines.
B Select to always place text inside extension
lines.
C Select to prevent the creation of arrows if they
don’t fit inside extension lines.
359
D Select to draw dimension lines between
extension lines when text and arrows are placed
outside extension lines.
E Select how to position text relative to dimension
lines and whether to include a leader.
F Select to be prompted for text placement when
creating dimensions.
360 CHAPTER 12

Controlling primary dimension units

You can determine the appearance and format of the primary dimension units. The
image tile on the right side of the Dimension Styles dialog box shows the appearance
of the dimensions based on the current dimension style settings.

Round off distance set to .0100 Round off distance set to Round off distance set
(original dimension before 0.2500. to 1.0000.
rounding).

To set the primary units of dimensions

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Dimensions > Dimension Styles Manager.
• Choose Format > Dimension Styles Manager.
• On the Dimensioning toolbar, click the Dimension Styles Manager tool ( ).
• Type setdim and then press Enter.
2 Click the Primary Units tab.
3 Make your selections.
4 Click OK.

Use the system variables.

The DIMLUNIT system variable specifies units for linear dimensions. The DIMFRAC
system variable specifies fraction formats.
 DIMENSIONING YOUR DRAWING 361

A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I

J
K
L P
M O
N

A Select the linear dimension unit format. J Select to prevent the inclusion of inches or feet
B Type or select the number of decimal places for in dimension text when the corresponding
text of linear dimensions. number of inches or feet is zero.
C Select the format for text fractions of linear K Select to prevent the inclusion of leading zeros
dimensions. for angular dimensions.
D Enter the marker symbol used for decimals. L Select the angular dimension unit format.
E Type or select the nearest value to round to for M Type or select the number of decimal places for
linear distances. angular dimensions.
F Type a prefix to be appended to linear dimension N Select to prevent the inclusion of trailing zeros
text. for angular dimensions.
G Type a suffix to be appended to linear dimension O Type or select the linear scale factor applied to
text. all lengths measured by dimensioning
commands.
H Select to prevent the inclusion of trailing zeros
for linear dimension text. P Type or select the scale factor applied to all
dimensions.
I Select to prevent the inclusion of leading zeros
for linear dimension text.
362 CHAPTER 12

Controlling alternate dimension units

You can include alternate dimensions in addition to the primary dimension text. You
can also determine the appearance and format of the alternate dimensions, including
the scale factor applied to generate alternate dimensions. The image tile on the right
side of the Dimension Styles dialog box shows the appearance of the dimensions
based on the current dimension style settings.

Alternate dimension created using a scale factor of 25.4, with an appended suffix.

To control alternate dimension units

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Dimensions > Dimension Styles Manager.
• Choose Format > Dimension Styles Manager.
• On the Dimensioning toolbar, click the Dimension Styles Manager tool ( ).
• Type setdim and then press Enter.
2 Click the Alternate Units tab.
3 Select Display Alternate Units.
4 Make your selections.
5 Click OK.
 DIMENSIONING YOUR DRAWING 363

B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J O

K N
M
L

A Select to include alternate units with dimension
text.
B Click to select the format for alternate dimension K Select to prevent the inclusion of inches or feet
text.
C Type or select the number of decimal places
displayed in alternate dimension text.
D Type or select the scale factor applied to
measured dimensions to generate the alternate
dimension text.
E Type or select any rounding for alternate
dimension text.
F Type a prefix to be appended to alternate
dimension text.
G Type a suffix to be appended to alternate
dimension text.
H Select the placement of alternate dimension text.
I Select to prevent the inclusion of trailing zeros
for alternate dimension text.
J Select to prevent the inclusion of leading zeros
for alternate dimension text.
in alternate dimension text when the
corresponding number of inches or feet is zero.
L Select to prevent the inclusion of leading zeros
for tolerances included as part of alternate
dimensions.
M Select to prevent the inclusion of trailing zeros
for tolerances included as part of alternate
dimensions.
N Select to prevent the inclusion of inches or feet
for tolerances included as part of alternate
dimensions when the corresponding number of
inches or feet is zero.
O Type or select the number of decimal places
displayed in limits or tolerances included as part
of alternate dimensions.
364 CHAPTER 12

Adding geometric tolerances

Geometric tolerances indicate the maximum allowable variations in the geometry
defined by a drawing. IntelliCAD draws geometric tolerances using a feature control
frame, which is a rectangle divided into compartments.

Understanding geometric tolerances

Each feature control frame consists of at least two compartments. The first compart-
ment contains a geometric tolerance symbol that indicates the geometric characteris-
tic to which the tolerance is applied, such as location, orientation, or form. For
example, a form tolerance may indicate the flatness or roundness of a surface. The
geometric tolerance symbols and their characteristics are shown in the following
table.

Geometric tolerance symbols

Symbol Characteristic Type

Position Location

Concentricity or coaxiality Location

Symmetry Location

Parallelism Orientation

Perpendicularity Orientation

Angularity Orientation

Cylindricity Form

Flatness Form

Circularity or roundness Form

Straightness Form

Profile of a surface Profile

Profile of a line Profile

Circular runout Runout

Total runout Runout

 DIMENSIONING YOUR DRAWING 365

The second compartment contains the tolerance value. When appropriate, the toler-
ance value is preceded by a diameter symbol and followed by a material condition
symbol. The material conditions apply to features that can vary in size. The material
condition symbols and their meanings are shown in the following table.

Material conditions
Symbol Definition
At maximum material condition (MMC), a feature contains the maximum amount of
material stated in the limits.
At least material condition (LMC), a feature contains the minimum amount of
material stated in the limits.
Regardless of feature size (RFS) indicates that the feature can be any size within
the stated limits.

The tolerance value can then be followed by primary, secondary, and tertiary datum
reference letters, along with the material conditions of each datum. Datum reference
letters are generally used as reference tolerances to one of up to three perpendicular
planes from which a measurement is made, although datum reference letters can also
indicate an exact point or axis.

A B C D E

A Geometric characteristic symbol. D Material condition symbol.

B Diameter symbol. E Datum reference.
C Tolerance value.

When two tolerances apply to the same geometry, you can also add a composite toler-
ance consisting of a primary tolerance value followed by a secondary tolerance value.
To make a tolerance even more specific, it can also contain a projected tolerance con-
sisting of a height value followed by a projected tolerance symbol. For example, you
can use a projected tolerance to indicate the perpendicularity of an embedded part.
366 CHAPTER 12

Adding a geometric tolerance

To add a geometric tolerance
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Dimensions > Tolerance.
• On the Dimensioning toolbar, click the Tolerance tool ( ).
• Type tolerance and then press Enter.
2 To display the geometric tolerance symbols, on the first line, click the Sym box.
3 Click to select a geometric tolerance symbol.
4 Under Tolerance 1, click the Dia box to add a diameter symbol.
5 In the field, type the first tolerance value.
6 To display the material condition symbols, click the M.C. box.
7 Click to select a material condition.
8 Under Tolerance 2, repeat steps 4 through 7 to add a secondary tolerance value, if
appropriate.
9 Under Datum 1, type the primary datum reference letter.
10 To display the material condition symbols, click the M.C. box.
11 Click to select a material condition.
12 Repeat steps 9 through 11 to add secondary and tertiary datum, if appropriate.
13 In the second row, repeat steps 2 through 12 to add composite tolerances, if
appropriate.
14 In the Height box, type a projected tolerance zone height value, if appropriate.
15 To insert a projected tolerance zone symbol, click the Projected Tolerance Zone
box, if appropriate.
16 Click OK.
17 In the drawing, specify the location of the feature frame.
 DIMENSIONING YOUR DRAWING 367

Q P O N ML KJ IH G F E

B D
C

A Use this row to include composite tolerances.
B Type a projected tolerance height value.
C Type a datum identifier.
D Click to include a projected tolerance symbol.
E Click to select the material condition symbol for tertiary M Click to include a diameter symbol for the second
data.
F Type the tertiary datum reference letter.
G Click to select the material condition symbol for
secondary datum.
H Type the secondary datum reference letter.
I Click to select the material condition symbol for primary
datum.
J Type the primary datum reference letter.
K Click to select the material condition symbol for the
second tolerance value.
L Type the second tolerance value.
tolerance value.
N Click to select the material condition symbol for the first
tolerance value.
O Type the first tolerance value.
P Click to include a diameter symbol for the first tolerance
value.
Q Click to select a geometric tolerance symbol.

Controlling dimension tolerances

You can create dimensions as either tolerance or limits dimensions. When creating a
tolerance dimension, you can control the upper and lower tolerance limits as well as
the number of decimal places of the dimension text. The image tile on the right side
of the Dimension Styles dialog box shows the appearance of tolerance and limits
dimensions based on the current dimension style settings.

Tolerance dimension. Limits dimension.

368 CHAPTER 12

To control dimension tolerances

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Dimensions > Dimension Styles Manager.
• Choose Format > Dimension Styles Manager.
• On the Dimensioning toolbar, click the Dimension Styles Manager tool ( ).
• Type setdim and then press Enter.
2 Click the Tolerance tab.
3 Make your selections.
4 Click OK.

A
B

C
D
E
F
G
H
I

J
K

A Select to insert a plus and minus tolerance value F Type or select the scale factor applied to the
with dimension text.
B Select to insert upper and lower tolerance limits
with dimension text.
C Type or select the number of decimal places
displayed in limits or tolerance dimension text.
D Type or select the minimum tolerance or lower
limit value.
E Type or select the maximum tolerance or upper
limit value.
height of limits or tolerance dimension text.
G Select the vertical justification of limits or
tolerance dimension text.
H Select to prevent the inclusion of trailing zeros in
limits or tolerances dimension text.
I Select to prevent the inclusion of leading zeros
limits or tolerances dimension text.
J Select to prevent the inclusion of inches or feet
in limits or tolerance dimension text when the
corresponding number of inches or feet is zero.
 13

Working with other files in your drawings

Blocks, attributes, and external references provide mechanisms for managing entities
in your drawings and for including additional information with the standard drawing
entities. With blocks, you can combine numerous entities into a single entity, and
then reuse it, inserting multiple copies. With attributes, you can associate text, such as
part numbers or prices, with blocks, and then extract the text-attribute information to
a separate file, such as a database, for further analysis. With external references, you
can link separate reference drawing files to a drawing to combine information without
adding the contents of the reference drawings to the current drawing. If you make
changes to the referenced file, all references are updated automatically.
This section explains how to:
• Create, insert, and redefine blocks.
• Create, edit, and insert attributes.
• Extract attribute data to a separate file.
• Attach and work with external references.
• Use images in your drawings.

Topics in this chapter

Working with blocks .......................................................................................... 370
Working with attributes ..................................................................................... 379
Working with external references...................................................................... 386
Working with images......................................................................................... 398
370 CHAPTER 13

Working with blocks

Usually, blocks are several entities combined into one that you can insert into a draw-
ing and manipulate as a single entity. A block can consist of visible entities such as
lines, arcs, and circles, as well as visible or invisible data called attributes. Blocks are
stored as part of the drawing file.

Understanding blocks
Blocks can help you better organize your work, quickly create and revise drawings,
and reduce drawing file size. Using blocks, you can create a library of frequently used
symbols. Then you can insert a symbol as a block rather than redraw the symbol from
scratch.
After you create a block from multiple entities, you save it once, which also saves
disk space. You insert only multiple references to a single block definition. You can
change the block definition to quickly revise a drawing, and then update all instances
of the block.
If you insert a block that contains entities originally drawn on layer 0 and assigned
color and linetype BYLAYER, it is placed on the current layer and assumes the color
and linetype of that layer. If you insert a block that contains entities originally drawn
on other layers or with explicitly specified colors or linetypes, the block retains the
original settings.
If you insert a block that contains entities originally assigned color and linetype
BYBLOCK, and the block itself has the color and linetype BYLAYER, those entities
adopt the color and linetype of the layer onto which they are inserted. If the block is
assigned an explicit color or linetype, such as red or dashed, those entities adopt those
qualities.
A procedure called nesting occurs when you include other blocks in a new block that
you are creating. Nesting is useful when you want to combine and include small com-
ponents, such as nuts and bolts, into a larger assembly and you need to insert multiple
instances of that assembly into an even larger drawing.

Creating blocks
The tools and commands for creating blocks appear on the Tools toolbar and the
Tools menu, respectively, when you set the program to the Advanced experience
level. You can also use the IntelliCAD Explorer to create blocks.
You can create blocks in two ways:
• By saving a block for use within the current drawing only.
• By saving the block as a separate drawing file that you can insert into other draw-
ings.
 WORKING WITH OTHER FILES IN YOUR DRAWINGS 371

When you create a block, you specify its name, its insertion point, and the entities that
compose the block. The insertion point is the base point for the block and serves as
the reference point when you later insert the block into a drawing.

To create a block for use within a current drawing

Advanced experience level
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Draw > Block > Create Block.
• On the Tools toolbar, click the Create Block tool ( ).
• Type block and then press Enter.
2 Type a name for the block, and then press Enter.
3 Specify the insertion point for the block.
4 Select the entities that you want in the block, and then press Enter.
The block is created and exists only in the current drawing. The entities you select
are removed from the display, because they are now part of the block.
5 To restore the original entities to the drawing while retaining the new block, type
undelete or oops.

Some users frequently restore original entities after defining a block.

You can add the Undelete command to a menu or toolbar by choosing Tools >
Customize.
372 CHAPTER 13

Saving blocks
You can create a block as a separate drawing file that you can insert into other drawings.

To save a block as a separate drawing file

Advanced experience level
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Save Block To Disk.
• On the Tools toolbar, click the Save Block To Disk tool ( ).
• Type wblock and then press Enter.
2 In Source, choose Block, then select the desired block from the list.
3 In File Name and Path, type the name and path of the destination drawing file you
want to create, or click [...] to browse for it.
4 In Insert Units, select the units used for inserting the separate drawing file.
5 Click OK.

The program assigns the 0,0,0 coordinate as the insertion base point.
You can change the base point by opening the drawing and redefining the block.

To save the current drawing as a separate drawing file

Advanced experience level
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Save Block To Disk.
• On the Tools toolbar, click the Save Block To Disk tool ( ).
• Type wblock and then press Enter.
2 In Source, choose Entire Drawing.
3 In File Name and Path, type the name and path of the destination drawing file you
want to create, or click [...] to browse for it.
4 In Insert Units, select the units used for inserting the separate drawing file.
5 Click OK.

The program assigns the 0,0,0 coordinate as the insertion base point.
You can change the base point by opening the drawing and redefining the block.
 WORKING WITH OTHER FILES IN YOUR DRAWINGS 373

To select entities and save them a separate drawing file

Advanced experience level
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Save Block To Disk.
• On the Tools toolbar, click the Save Block To Disk tool ( ).
• Type wblock and then press Enter.
2 In Source, choose Entities.
3 In Base Point, enter the x,y,z coordinates of the base point to save with the sepa-
rate drawing file, or click to select it directly in the current drawing.
4 Click and then select the source entities directly in the current drawing.
5 Choose what action to take with selected entities in the current drawing after the
separate drawing file is created:
• Retain Keeps the selected source entities in the current drawing.
• Convert to block Converts the selected source entities to a block in the current
drawing.
• Delete from drawing Deletes the selected source entities from the current
drawing.
If no entities are selected, a separate drawing file is not created.
6 In File Name and Path, type the name and path of the destination drawing file you
want to create, or click [...] to browse for it.
7 In Insert Units, select the units used for inserting the separate drawing file.
8 Click OK.
374 CHAPTER 13
A
B H
C
A Select what content to save to a separate drawing
file. If Entities is selected, the Base Point and
Entities options are available.
B Click to select in the current drawing the x,y,z
coordinates of the base point to save with the
separate drawing file.
C Enter the x,y,z coordinates of the base point to
save with the separate drawing file.
D Enter the path and filename of the new drawing
file, or click [...] to browse to it.
I
G
E Select the insertion units for the new drawing file.
F Displays the number of entities currently selected
to save to a separate drawing file. If no entities are
selected, a separate drawing file is not created.
G Select what action to take with selected entities in
the current drawing after the separate drawing file
is created.
H Click to select in the current drawing the entities to
save to a separate drawing file.
I Select the block to save to a separate drawing file.
Available only if Block is selected as the source.
 WORKING WITH OTHER FILES IN YOUR DRAWINGS 375

Inserting blocks
You can insert blocks and other drawings into the current drawing. When you insert a
block, it is treated as a single entity. When you insert a drawing, it is added to the cur-
rent drawing as a block. You can then insert multiple instances of the block without
reloading the original drawing file. If you change the original drawing file, those
changes have no effect on the current drawing unless you redefine the block by rein-
serting the changed drawing.
You can also insert blocks from another drawing into the current drawing, using the
IntelliCAD Explorer. Both drawings must be open at the same time to do this.
When you insert a block or drawing, you must specify the insertion point, scale, and
rotation angle. The block’s insertion point is the reference point specified when you
created the block. When you insert a drawing as a block, the program takes the speci-
fied insertion point as the block insertion point. You can change the insertion point,
however, by first opening the original drawing and redefining the block.

Block settings can also be set before block insertion.

You can specify the insertion point, scale factors, and rotation angle in the Insert
Block dialog box before inserting the block. You can also control whether the block is
exploded back into its original component entities after insertion. Under Positioning,
clear the Position Block When Inserting check box, and specify the appropriate coor-
dinates. If you want to explode the block immediately, select the Explode Upon Inser-
tion check box.

To insert a block
1 Display the Insert Block dialog box by doing one of the following:
• Choose Insert > Block.
• On the Draw 2D toolbar, click the Block tool ( ).
• Type ddinsert and then press Enter.
2 In the Insert Block dialog box, under Insert, click Block Name.
3 In the Block Name box, select the name of the block you want to insert.
4 Click Insert.
5 Specify the insertion point for the block.
6 Specify the x, y, and z scale factors and the rotation angle, or press Enter to accept
the default values.
376 CHAPTER 13

To insert an entire drawing into the current drawing

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Insert > Block.
• On the Draw 2D toolbar, click the Block tool ( ).
• Type ddinsert and then press Enter.
2 In the Insert Block dialog box, under Insert, click From File.
3 Type the path and the drawing file name, or click Browse to specify the file from
the Insert Drawing dialog box, and click Open.
4 Click Insert.
5 Specify the insertion point for the block.
6 Specify the x, y, and z scale factors and the rotation angle, or press Enter to accept
the default values.

You can also insert drawings while browsing files on your computer.
If the DRAGOPEN system variable is set to 0, you can drag a .dwg file to the drawing
area in IntelliCAD to insert it as a block. If DRAGOPEN is set to 1 (the default), the
drawing opens in IntelliCAD.

B
G
C

E
F

A Click and then enter the path and drawing file
name to insert the entire drawing file as a block.
B Click to position the block when inserting.
C Specify the insertion point, scale factors, and
rotation angle before you insert the block
(available only when Position Block When
Inserting is cleared).
D Click to explode the block on insertion.
E Specify columns, column spacing, rows, and row
spacing.
F Click to insert the block.
G Click to select the block insertion point in the
drawing before inserting the block (available only
when the Position Block When Inserting check
box is cleared).
 WORKING WITH OTHER FILES IN YOUR DRAWINGS 377

Redefining blocks
You can redefine all instances of a block within the current drawing. To redefine a
block that was created in the current drawing, you create a new block using the same
name. You can update all the blocks in the current drawing by redefining the block. If
the block was inserted from a separate drawing file that was subsequently updated,
reinsert that block to update all other instances in the current drawing.

To redefine a block in the current drawing

Advanced experience level
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Draw > Block > Create Block.
• On the Tools toolbar, click the Create Block tool ( ).
• Type block and then press Enter.
2 Type the name of the block you want to redefine, and then press Enter.
3 In the prompt box, choose Yes-Redefine Block.
4 Specify the insertion point for the block.
5 Select the entities for the block, and then press Enter.
The block is immediately redefined, and all instances of the block in the drawing
are updated. The entities you select for inclusion in the block are removed from
the drawing, because they are now part of the block.
6 To restore the original entities to the drawing while retaining the new block, type
undelete or oops.
You can update all instances of a block inserted from a separate drawing by reinsert-
ing the drawing.
378 CHAPTER 13

Editing blocks in-place

After a block is inserted in a drawing, it can be edited directly in IntelliCAD, and the
source block and all references to the block are updated automatically. Editing in-
place is an easy way to make changes to a block without having to locate and load it.

To edit blocks in-place

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Edit Block or X-Ref In-Place > Edit In-Place.
• Type refedit and then press Enter.
2 At the prompt, select the block you want to edit.
The block becomes editable.
3 Make changes to the contents of the block.
4 To add an entity from the drawing to the block, select the entity and do one of the
following:
• Choose Tools > Edit Block or X-Ref In-Place > Add to Working Set.
• Type refset, press Enter, then choose Add.
5 To remove an entity from the block, select the entity and do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Edit Block or X-Ref In-Place > Remove from Working Set.
• Type refset, press Enter, then choose Remove.
6 When you’re finished editing the block, do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Edit Block or X-Ref In-Place > Close Reference.
• Type refclose and then press Enter.
7 Choose Save to save changes or Discard to cancel changes.
If changes are saved, all instances of the block are updated in the current drawing.
 WORKING WITH OTHER FILES IN YOUR DRAWINGS 379

Exploding blocks
You can explode an inserted block to its original component entities. When you
explode a block, only that single instance of the block is affected. The original block
definition remains in the drawing, and you can still insert additional copies of the
original block. If you explode a block that contains attributes, the attributes are lost,
but the original attribute definitions remain.
Exploding dissociates component entities to their next simplest level of complexity;
blocks or polylines in a block become blocks or polylines again

To explode a block
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Modify > Explode.
• On the Modify toolbar, click the Explode tool ( ).
• Type explode and then press Enter.
2 Select the block.
3 Press Enter.

Working with attributes

An attribute is a particular entity that you can save as part of a block definition. Attri-
butes consist of text-based data. You can use attributes to track such things as part
numbers and prices. Attributes have either fixed or variable values. When you insert a
block containing attributes, the program adds the fixed values to the drawing along
with the block, and you are prompted to supply any variable values.
After you insert blocks containing attributes, you can extract the attribute information
to a separate file and then use that information in a spreadsheet or database to produce
a parts list or bill of materials. You can also use attribute information to track the
number of times a particular block is inserted into a drawing.
Attributes can be visible or hidden. Hidden attributes are neither displayed nor
printed, but the information is still stored in the drawing and written to a file when
you extract it.

Defining attributes
You add an attribute to a drawing by first defining it and then saving it as part of a
block definition. To define an attribute, you specify the characteristics of the attri-
bute, including its name, prompt, and default value; the location and text formatting;
and optional modes (hidden, fixed, validate, predefined, and locked).
380 CHAPTER 13

To define an attribute
Advanced experience level
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Draw > Block > Define Attributes.
• On the Tools toolbar, click the Define Attributes tool ( ).
• Type ddattdef and then press Enter.
2 In the Define Attribute dialog box, type the name, prompt, and default value.
3 Under Insert Coordinates, specify the location of the attribute, or click Select to
select a point in the drawing.
4 Under Attribute Flags, select the optional attribute modes.
5 Under Text, specify the text characteristics.
6 To add the attribute to the drawing, do one of the following:
• Click Define to add the attribute and keep the dialog box active so you can
define another attribute.
• Click Define And Exit to add the attribute and end the command.
 WORKING WITH OTHER FILES IN YOUR DRAWINGS 381

A
B
C

Q
D
E P
F
O
G
H N
I M
J

A Type the name you want to assign to the
attribute.
B Enter the identifying prompt information
displayed when you insert a block containing the
attribute.
C Enter the default or constant value. For variable
attributes, the default value is replaced by the L Click to add the attribute and end the command.
actual value when you later insert a block
containing the attribute.
D Specify the x-, y-, and z-coordinates for the
attribute insertion point.
E Select to create a hidden attribute.
F Select to create a fixed-value attribute.
G Select to create an attribute whose value must
be validated when you later insert a block
containing the attribute.
H Select to create an attribute whose value is
defined and not requested when you later insert
a block containing the attribute, but that you can
edit after the block is inserted.
K L
I Select to create an attribute whose position is
locked.
J Select to create an attribute whose default text
contains multiple lines of text.
K Click to add the attribute and keep the dialog box
active so you can define another attribute.
M Specify the text rotation angle, or click to specify
the rotation angle by selecting two points in the
drawing.
N Specify the text height, or click to specify the
height by selecting two points in the drawing.
O Choose the text justification.
P Choose the text style from those styles already
defined in the drawing.
Q Click to specify the attribute insertion point by
selecting a point in the drawing.
R Click to enter multiple lines of default text.
Available only if Multiple line is selected.
382 CHAPTER 13

Editing attribute definitions

You can edit an attribute definition before you associate it with a block and before it
is saved as part of a block definition.

To edit an attribute definition

Advanced experience level
1 Select the attribute definition text to edit.
2 Do one of the following:
• Choose Modify > Properties.
• Right-click the attribute definition text, then choose Properties.
• Type entprop and then press Enter.
3 Modify the properties, including name, prompt, default value, and other attribute-
specific properties.

Attaching attributes to blocks

You can attach attributes to a block after you define it and select it as one of the enti-
ties to include. Include the attributes when the program prompts you for the entities to
include in the selection set for a block. After the attribute is incorporated into a block,
the program prompts you each time you insert the block, so you can specify different
values for the attributes each time you insert it into a new drawing.

Editing attributes attached to blocks

You can edit the attribute values of a block that has been inserted into a drawing.

To edit an attribute attached to a block

Advanced experience level
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Edit Block Attributes.
• On the Tools toolbar, click the Edit Block Attributes tool ( ).
• Type ddatte and then press Enter.
2 Select the block to edit.
The Edit Block Attributes dialog box displays all the attributes attached to the
block you select.
3 Edit the attribute values as necessary.
4 Click OK.
 WORKING WITH OTHER FILES IN YOUR DRAWINGS 383

A
E
B

A Identifies the name of the block. D Click to update the attribute values and exit.
B Click to select attribute. E Displays the names, prompts, and values of all
C Type the new value for the selected attribute. attributes attached to the block.

Extracting attribute information

You can extract attribute information from a drawing and save it to a separate text file
for use with a database program. You can save the file in any of the following for-
mats:
• Comma Delimited Format (CDF) Contains one line for each instance of a block,
with individual attribute fields separated by commas. Character string fields are
enclosed with single quotation marks. You must specify a template file when
extracting to a CDF file.
• Space Delimited Format (SDF) Contains one line for each instance of a block.
Each attribute field has a fixed length; there are no separators or character string
delimiters. You must specify a template file when extracting to a SDF file.
• Drawing Exchange Format (DXF) Creates a subset of a standard DXF file (a *.dxx
file) containing all the information about each block, including the insertion
points, rotation angles, and attribute values. No template file is required.

Before extracting attributes to a CDF or SDF file, you must create a template file. The
template file is an ASCII text file that specifies the attribute data fields to be written
in the extract file. Each line of the template file specifies one attribute field.
IntelliCAD recognizes 15 different fields, which contain elements such as the block
name, the x-, y-, and z-coordinates of its insertion point, the layer on which it is
inserted, and so on. You can include any of these fields. The template file must
include at least one attribute name.
384 CHAPTER 13

Each line in the template file must start with the field name. Block name and inser-
tion-point values must begin with BL:. The next nonblank character must be either a
C (indicating a character string field) or an N (indicating a numeric field). This char-
acter is then followed by three digits indicating the width of the field (in characters).
The final three digits indicate the number of decimal places (for numeric fields). In
the case of character fields, the last three digits must be zeros (000). A typical tem-
plate file is similar to the one shown here:

A G
F
E
B

A Field name. E Number of decimal places for numeric fields or

B Block name. Block names must begin with BL:. 000 for character fields.
C Insertion point. Insertion-point values must begin F Field width for character or numeric fields.
with BL:. G C for character fields; N for numeric fields.
D Attribute tags.
To create a template file
1 Create a template file using any ASCII text editor (such as Microsoft® Notepad or
Microsoft® WordPad) or a word-processing program such as Microsoft® Word.
2 Include the necessary fields in the template file.
3 Save the template file in ASCII text format.

To extract attribute information

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Extract Attributes.
• On the Tools toolbar, click the Extract Attributes tool ( ).
• Type ddattext and then press Enter.
2 Click Select, specify the entities from which to extract attributes, and then press
Enter.
3 Specify the format of the extracted file.
4 For CDF and SDF formats, specify the template file.
5 Specify the extract output file.
 WORKING WITH OTHER FILES IN YOUR DRAWINGS 385

6 Click Extract.

A H

C G
D F
E

A Click to select blocks in the drawing containing E Click to extract attributes.

attributes you want to extract.
B Click to specify the format of the extracted file.
C Specify the template file for CDF and SDF
extracts.
D Specify the extract output file.
F Click to specify the output file using a file dialog
box.
G Click to specify the template file using a file
dialog box.
H Indicates the number of blocks with attributes
selected for extraction.
386 CHAPTER 13

Working with external references

You can link entire drawings to the current drawing as external references. Unlike
inserting a drawing as a block, in which you add all the entities from the separate
drawing into the current drawing, external references attach a pointer to the external
file. The entities in the external reference appear in the current drawing, but the enti-
ties themselves are not added to the drawing. Thus, attaching an external reference
does not significantly increase the size of the current drawing file.

Understanding external references

External references provide additional capabilities not available when you insert a
drawing as a block. When you insert a drawing as a block, the entities are stored in
the drawing. Any changes you make to the original drawing are not reflected in the
drawing in which you inserted it. When you attach an external reference, however,
any changes you make to the original drawing file are reflected in the drawings that
reference it. These changes appear automatically each time you open the drawing
containing the external reference. If you know that the original drawing was modi-
fied, you can reload the external reference anytime you’re working on the drawing.
External references are useful for assembling master drawings from component draw-
ings. Use external references to coordinate your work with others in a group. External
references help reduce drawing file size and ensure that you are always working with
the most recent version of a drawing. However, if you send or receive drawings that
contain external references, it is important to include with the master drawing all of
the external references attached to it. When you open a drawing that contains external
references, the source external reference files must be accessible for the external ref-
erences to display in the drawing.
The Xref Manager helps you easily attach and work with external references.
 WORKING WITH OTHER FILES IN YOUR DRAWINGS 387

A
J
I
B H
G
F
E

A Click to display a detailed list or hierarchical tree.
B Select an external reference to modify its
attachment.
C Type or click Browse to specify the external
reference location.
D Type or click Browse to specify other search
directories where external references may be
located.
E Click to open the source drawing for the external
reference.
F Click to make the external reference a permanent
part of the drawing.
G Click to remove the external reference, but keep
elements and path information for easy reloading.
H Click to update with changes from the external
reference.
I Click to completely remove the external reference.
J Click to link a drawing.

Attaching external references

Attaching a separate drawing to the current one creates an external reference. The
external reference appears in the drawing as a block definition, but the drawing enti-
ties are linked rather than added to the current drawing. If you modify the linked
drawing, the current drawing that contains the external reference is updated automati-
cally when you open it, or you can reload the external reference manually so it
reflects the latest version of the external reference.
When you attach an external reference, its layers, linetypes, text styles, and other ele-
ments are not added to the current drawing. Rather, these elements are also linked
from the referenced file.
388 CHAPTER 13

There are two ways you can attach an external reference:

• An attachment is an inserted drawing that contains a link to the original file.
Attachments can themselves contain other, nested reference files. When you
attach an external reference, any nested references contained in the file also appear
in the current drawing.
• An overlay is an inserted drawing that contains a link to the original file. Overlays
allow you to lay a drawing on top of another drawing, similar to the way you work
manually with transparencies. When a drawing that contains overlaid external ref-
erences is itself attached or overlaid as an external reference in another drawing,
the overlays do not appear as part of the external reference. Use overlaying when
you want to see reference geometry in a drawing but you do not need to include
that geometry in drawings that will be used by others (nested external references).

You can attach as many copies of an external reference file as you want. Each copy
can have a different position, scale, and rotation angle.

To attach an external reference

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Insert > Xref Manager.
• On the Tools toolbar, click the Xref Manager tool ( ).
• Type xrm and then press Enter.
2 Click Attach.
3 Specify the drawing file to attach as an external reference, and then click Open.
4 In Reference Type, choose how you want to insert the drawing:
• Attachment – inserts a copy of the drawing and includes any other drawings that
are externally referenced within the referenced drawing.
• Overlay – lays a copy of a drawing over your original drawing; it does not
include any nested external references from the externally referenced drawing.
5 Make any additional selections.
6 Click OK.
7 If you marked Specify On-Screen for any items, follow the prompts to attach the
external reference.
 WORKING WITH OTHER FILES IN YOUR DRAWINGS 389

A G

B F

E
C

A Displays the external reference to attach, or select
one from the list.
B Click Attachment to link a drawing, including any of E Choose to specify the rotation angle in the drawing,
its own external references. Click Overlay to link a
drawing, omitting any of its own nested external
references.
C Choose to specify the insertion point in the
drawing, or enter x-, y-, and z-coordinates.
D Choose to specify the scale in the drawing, or enter
x-, y-, and z-scale factors.
or enter a rotation angle.
F Select to save the folder location of the referenced
drawing. If not selected, the referenced drawing
must be located in the same folder as the current
drawing.
G Click to locate and select a different external
reference.

Viewing the list of external references

You can view a list of the external references that are linked to the current drawing
two different ways using the Xref Manager:
• List View displays the external references in a list, which allows you to sort the list
of references by name, status, size, type, date, or saved path.
• Tree View displays a hierarchical representation of the external references and the
relationships between them. The tree view shows the level of nesting relationships
of the attached external references.

To view a list of external references

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Insert > Xref Manager.
• On the Tools toolbar, click the Xref Manager tool ( ).
• Type xrm and then press Enter.
2 Click List View ( ) or Tree View ( ).
390 CHAPTER 13

Opening external references

From the Xref Manager you can quickly open the source drawing for any external
reference. This is especially helpful if you are working with nested external refer-
ences, which you cannot bind or detach. From the Xref Manager, open the source
drawing, make changes, and then save and close the source drawing. When the Xref
Manager displays again, simply reload the external reference.

To open an external reference

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Insert > Xref Manager.
• On the Tools toolbar, click the Xref Manager tool ( ).
• Type xrm and then press Enter.
2 Select the external reference to open.
3 Click Open.

Use a shortcut.
Type xopen to open an external reference without using the Xref Manager. To see any
changes that you make to the external reference while it is open, reload it.

Removing external references

Removing external references from the current drawing is easy with the Xref Man-
ager. You can unload an external reference, which keeps some information about the
external reference in the current drawing for easy reloading later, or you can detach
the external reference entirely.
When you unload an external reference, you remove it from the current drawing.
However, its elements, such as layers and linetypes, remain in the drawing and it is
still listed in the Xref Manager. By detaching an external reference you remove it and
all of its elements from the current drawing, and it is no longer listed in the Xref Man-
ager.

To unload an external reference

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Insert > Xref Manager.
• On the Tools toolbar, click the Xref Manager tool ( ).
• Type xrm and then press Enter.
2 Select the external reference to unload.
3 Click Unload.
 WORKING WITH OTHER FILES IN YOUR DRAWINGS 391

To detach an external reference

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Insert > Xref Manager.
• On the Tools toolbar, click the Xref Manager tool ( ).
• Type xrm and then press Enter.
2 Select the external reference to detach.
3 Click Detach.

Nested external references cannot be detached.

Only the external references that are attached directly to the current drawing can be
detached.

Reloading external references

When you open or print a drawing, any external references in the drawing are updated
automatically. If a drawing is already open and a referenced drawing is modified, you
can update the current drawing manually to display the latest version of the refer-
enced drawing.
You may also want to reload an external reference that has been unloaded temporar-
ily.
To reload an external reference
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Insert > Xref Manager.
• On the Tools toolbar, click the Xref Manager tool ( ).
• Type xrm and then press Enter.
2 Select the external reference to reload.
3 Click Reload.
392 CHAPTER 13

Changing the path for external references

If the file associated with an external reference is moved to a different directory or
renamed, the program displays a message indicating that it cannot load the external
reference. You can re-establish the link to the file by doing any of the following:
• Change the path for the external reference.
• Specify additional directories for IntelliCAD to search. This is especially helpful
if you have several external references that have moved to a new directory.

To change the path for a single external reference

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Insert > Xref Manager.
• On the Tools toolbar, click the Xref Manager tool ( ).
• Type xrm and then press Enter.
2 Select the external reference whose path you want to change.
3 In Xref Path, do one of the following:
• Enter a new filename or location.
• Click Browse to locate and select the referenced drawing.
IntelliCAD reloads the specified external reference automatically.

External references cannot be recursive.

You cannot recursively reference a drawing from the same original drawing.

To change the search paths for all external references in the drawing
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Insert > Xref Manager.
• On the Tools toolbar, click the Xref Manager tool ( ).
• Type xrm and then press Enter.
2 In Additional Xref Search Paths, do one of the following:
• Enter a new directory and its path. Separate multiple paths with a semicolon, for
example, c:\My Drawings;d:\My Drawings\Backup.
• Click Browse to locate and select a directory.
IntelliCAD searches the specified directories; any found external references are
reloaded automatically.
 WORKING WITH OTHER FILES IN YOUR DRAWINGS 393

Binding external references to drawings

External references are not part of the drawing. Rather, they are links to an externally
referenced file. To provide a copy of a drawing containing external references to
someone else, you must also provide all the external reference files. In addition, the
person receiving the drawings must either re-create the same paths you used when
linking the external references or change the paths for the external references.
To provide a copy of a drawing that contains external references, it is often easier to
first bind the external references to the drawing. Binding the external references
makes them a permanent part of the drawing, which is similar to inserting a separate
drawing as a block.
You can bind external references that are attached directly to the current drawing; you
cannot bind nested external references.

To bind an existing external reference to a drawing

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Insert > Xref Manager.
• On the Tools toolbar, click the Xref Manager tool ( ).
• Type xrm and then press Enter.
2 Select the external reference to bind.
3 Click Bind.
4 Choose one of the following:
• Bind Binds the external reference and creates a unique name for each named
entity, such as a layer or block, that is located in the external reference. For
example, a layer named Electric in the external reference will be named
Xref$0$Electric in the current drawing. If the current drawing already has a
layer or block with the same name, the name is changed incrementally, for
example, Xref$1$Electric.
• Insert Binds the external reference, but does not change the names of any named
entities in the external reference. For example, a layer named Electric in the
external reference will have the same name, Electric, in the current drawing. If
the current drawing has a layer or block with the same name, the named entity
in the external reference takes on the properties of the named entity in the
current drawing.
5 Click OK.
394 CHAPTER 13

Clipping external references

When you attach a drawing as an external reference, all of the referenced drawing
displays in the current drawing. However, after you attach an external reference, you
can define a clipping boundary that determines which portion of the referenced draw-
ing is visible or hidden.
You can edit, move, or copy clipped external references the same way you modify
unclipped external references. The boundary moves with the reference. If an external
reference contains nested clipped external references, they also appear clipped in the
drawing.
In addition to clipping external references, you can also partially hide blocks using
clipping boundaries.

Example of an external reference clipped using a clipping boundary. The clipping boundary is the rectangle
in the top window.
 WORKING WITH OTHER FILES IN YOUR DRAWINGS 395

Adding clipping boundaries

When you create a clipping boundary, it affects only the display of the referenced
drawing; it does not affect the original referenced drawing or any referenced geome-
try. The portion of the external reference within the clipping boundary is visible and
the remainder of the external reference becomes hidden.

To define a rectangular clipping boundary

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Modify > Xref Clip.
• Type xclip and then press Enter.
2 Select the external references to clip. If desired, you can also select blocks.
3 Press Enter.
4 Press Enter to create a new clipping boundary.
5 If prompted, press Enter to delete any existing boundaries.
6 Choose Rectangular.
7 Define the first corner of the clipping rectangle.
8 Define the second corner of the clipping rectangle.
The selected external references are clipped by the rectangle.

Use the shortcut.

You can first select all external references, right-click the selection, and then select
Xref Clip from the shortcut menu.

To define a clipping boundary using a polyline

1 Draw a polyline where you want to clip external references.
2 Do one of the following:
• Choose Modify > Xref Clip.
• Type xclip and then press Enter.
3 Select the external references to clip. If desired, you can also select blocks.
4 Press Enter.
5 Press Enter to create a new clipping boundary.
6 If prompted, press Enter to delete any existing boundaries.
7 Choose Select Polyline.
8 Select the polyline to use as clipping boundary.
396 CHAPTER 13

Turning clipping boundaries on and off

You can turn xref clipping on or off. When a clipping boundary is turned off, the
boundary does not display and the entire external reference is visible, provided that
the geometry is on a layer that is on and thawed. When a clipping boundary is turned
off, it still exists and can be turned on. However, deleting a clipping boundary is per-
manent.

To turn clipping boundaries on and off

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Modify > Xref Clip.
• Type xclip and then press Enter.
2 Select the desired external references.
3 Press Enter.
4 To turn off clipping boundaries, choose Off. To turn on existing clipping boundar-
ies, choose On.
5 Press Enter.
If you are turning off a clipping boundary, click the clipped portion of the external
reference to view the previously hidden portion of the referenced drawing.

Use the XCLIPFRAME system variable.

When the XCLIPFRAME system variable is on (set to 1), you can select and print the
clipping boundary frame.

Deleting clipping boundaries

If you no longer need a clipping boundary for an external reference, you can delete it.

To delete a clipping boundary

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Modify > Xref Clip.
• Type xclip and then press Enter.
2 Select the desired external references.
3 Press Enter.
4 Choose Delete, and then press Enter.
5 Click the clipped portion of the external reference.
The previously hidden portion of the referenced drawing displays.
 WORKING WITH OTHER FILES IN YOUR DRAWINGS 397

Editing external references in-place

After an external reference is inserted in a drawing, it can be edited directly in Intelli-
CAD, and the source drawing file is updated automatically. Editing in-place is an
easy way to make changes to the source file without having to locate the file and load
it.

To edit an external reference in-place

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Edit Block or X-Ref In-Place > Edit In-Place.
• Type refedit and then press Enter.
2 At the prompt, select the external reference you want to edit.
The external reference becomes editable.
3 Make changes to the contents of the external reference. Any new entities created
during edit in-place are automatically added when the external reference is closed
and saved.
4 To add an existing entity from the drawing to the external reference, select the
entity and do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Edit Block or X-Ref In-Place > Add to Working Set.
• Type refset, press Enter, then choose Add.
5 To remove an entity from the external reference, select the entity and do one of the
following:
• Choose Tools > Edit Block or X-Ref In-Place > Remove from Working Set.
• Type refset, press Enter, then choose Remove.
6 When you’re finished editing the external reference, do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Edit Block or X-Ref In-Place > Close Reference.
• Type refclose and then press Enter.
7 Choose Save to save changes or Discard to cancel changes.
8 The external reference is updated and the current drawing displays the changes.

You can also type xopen to open an external reference directly.

To see any changes that you make to the external reference while it is open, reload it.
398 CHAPTER 13

Working with images

You can modify and view raster images directly inside of IntelliCAD. You can load,
edit, and modify multiple images as overlays or underlays to your IntelliCAD draw-
ings. The images can be selected for use with IntelliCAD commands by selecting the
image frame, which can be turned on or off for printing or selection purposes.
IntelliCAD supports numerous image file formats, including BMP, JPG, GIF, EMF,
TIF, PNG, WMF, SID, and many more.

Attaching images
When you attach an image to a drawing, the image displays in the drawing but is not
saved in the drawing. The image file remains saved in its original location on your
computer, network, or other media.
If you send or receive drawings that contain images, it is important to include with the
drawing all of the image files attached to it. When you open a drawing that contains
images, the source image files must be accessible for the images to display in the
drawing.

To attach an image
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Insert > Image > Attach Image.
• On the Image toolbar, click the Image Manager tool ( ).
• Type imageattach and then press Enter.
2 Specify a file to attach, and then click Open.
3 In Image Path will be Saved As, enter a different image file location, if necessary.
You can click [ > ] to choose how you want to save the image path:
• Full Path — The image is referenced using its full path, for example, c:\My
Pictures\MyImage.jpg. Use this option if the image is saved in a folder unrelated
to the current drawing folder.
• Relative Path — The image is referenced using a path relative to the current
drawing folder, for example, ..\My Pictures\MyImage.jpg. Use this option if the
image is stored in a subfolder of the current drawing folder.
• File Name Only — The image is referenced using its file name in the current
drawing folder, for example, MyImage.jpg. Use this option if the image is saved
in the same folder as the current drawing.
4 In the Attach Image dialog box, specify the position, scale, rotation, transparency,
and clipping options, and then click OK.
 WORKING WITH OTHER FILES IN YOUR DRAWINGS 399

NOTE Transparency works for images that support alpha transparency, that is,
images that have at least one color that can be viewed as a transparent color.

5 In the drawing, specify an insertion point, scale, and rotation if you chose to spec-
ify those on the screen.

A
I
B
H

G
C

F
E

A Enter a different image file location, if necessary.
B Choose to place the image automatically in the
drawing using specifications located in a positioning
file. Enter the TWF file associated with the image or
click [...] to select it.
C Choose to specify the insertion point in the drawing
upon insertion, or enter coordinates.
D Choose to specify the size of the image in the
drawing upon insertion, or enter the size values.
E Choose whether to turn clipping display on or off for
the image.
F Choose whether entities located under the image are
visible (for images that support alpha transparency).
G Choose to specify rotation in the drawing upon
insertion, or enter how many degrees to rotate the
image to the left.
H Click to view image information, including color depth
and resolution.
I Choose to save the image path as its full path,
relative path to the current drawing folder, or file
name in the current drawing folder.

You can also attach images using the Image Manager or IntelliCAD Explorer
Choose Insert > Image > Image Manager, and then click Attach to specify an
image and then attach it, or if you want to quickly add another occurrence of an
image already located in the drawing, select the image in the Image Manager and
then click Add. Or, choose Tools > IntelliCAD Explorer and attach an image as
an externally reference file.
400 CHAPTER 13

Modifying images
You can modify an image by changing its brightness, contrast, fade, size, rotation, or
transparency. These changes affect the image in the drawing only — not the original
image file.
In addition to modifying a single image or multiple images that you select, you can
also modify all occurrences of an image within a drawing. For example, if your com-
pany logo appears in multiple locations throughout a drawing, you can use the Image
Manager to specify the changes once and apply them to all occurrences of the logo.
You can use other IntelliCAD commands for typical modifications, such as Delete,
Move, Layer, and more.

To modify images
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Insert > Image > Image Manager.
• On the Image toolbar, click the Image Manager tool ( ).
• Type image and then press Enter.

TIP You can also modify images by selecting one or more images in a drawing,
and then choosing Modify > Properties.

2 In the Images list, select the image you want to modify. If there is more than one
occurrence of the image in the drawing, do one of the following:
• To modify all occurrences of the image, select a top-level image in the list.
• To modify a single occurrence of the image, expand a top-level image in the list,
and then select the individual image.
3 Adjust the Brightness, Contrast, and Fade by moving the slider to the setting you
want or by entering an exact number. The image preview shows how your changes
will affect the image.

TIP If you want to restore the image to the default brightness, contrast, and fade
settings, click Reset.

4 Adjust the Size by making changes to the width (X) and height (Y) in drawing
units. Mark Keep Aspect Ratio if you want the width and height to change
together to retain the aspect ratio of the image.
5 Adjust the Rotation by entering the number of degrees you want to rotate the
image to the left. Zero degrees indicates no rotation.
6 Mark Use Transparency if you want entities located under the image to be visible
(for images that support alpha transparency, that is, images that have at least one
color that can be viewed as a transparent color).
 WORKING WITH OTHER FILES IN YOUR DRAWINGS 401

7 Mark Show Clipping Boundary if you want to show the image clipped, if a clip-
ping boundary is defined for the image. Unmarking this option displays the whole
image, even if a clipping boundary is defined.
8 Click OK.

B I
C
D
H
G

E F
A Click a top-level image to modify all occurrences E Click to return to the default brightness, contrast, and
located in the drawing. Expand a top-level image and fade settings.
click an individual image to modify that occurrence F Enter the width (X) and height (Y) in drawing units.
only. Mark Keep Aspect Ratio to change width and height
B Move the slider or enter an exact number for image together.
brightness. G Choose whether to turn clipping display on or off for
C Move the slider or enter an exact number for image the image.
contrast. H Choose whether entities located under the image are
D Move the slider or enter an exact number for image visible (for images that support alpha transparency).
fade, which fades the image without displaying I Enter how many degrees to rotate the image to the
entities located under the image. left.
402 CHAPTER 13

Changing the display of images

You can change the following for how all images display in a drawing:
• Image quality — Images can display in high or low resolution.
• Image frames — Images can display with or without frames on their edges.

Changing the display quality for all images

High quality displays images in high resolution and requires more system resources.
Draft quality displays images in low resolution and consumes fewer system
resources. Changing the quality setting affects all images in the drawing.

To change the display quality for all images

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Insert > Image > Image Quality.
• On the Image toolbar, click the Image Quality tool ( ).
• Type imagequality and then press Enter.
2 Choose High or Draft.

Turning image frames on or off for all images

When image frames are turned on, a frame displays and prints on the edge of all
images in the drawing. When image frames are turned off, none of the images display
or print with a frame, which also makes images unselectable. Each image frame dis-
plays with the properties (layer, color, linetype, etc.) that are assigned to the image.
Turning image frames off may be helpful, for example, if the images are part of a
background in the drawing.

To turn image frames on or off for all images

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Insert > Image > Display Image Frame.
• On the Image toolbar, click the Display Image Frame tool ( ).
• Type imageframe and then press Enter.
2 Choose On or Off.
 WORKING WITH OTHER FILES IN YOUR DRAWINGS 403

Clipping images
You can clip images so that only a portion of the image is visible in a drawing. The
visible portion (or the invisible portion for inverted clips) can be in the shape of a
rectangle or polygon.
Image clipping can be turned on an off. If you turn off clipping for an image, the
entire image is visible provided that the image is on a layer that is on and thawed. The
clipping information is retained however, and you can turn clipping back on at any
time.
If you delete clipping from an image, the clipping is removed permanently but the
image itself remains in the drawing.

Clipping images in the shape of a rectangle

To clip an image in the shape of a rectangle
1 Make sure that image frames are turned on — so you can select images — by
choosing Image > Display Image Frame, and then choose On.
2 Do one of the following:
• Choose Insert > Image > Clip Image.
• On the Image toolbar, click the Clip Image tool ( ).
• Type imageclip and then press Enter.
3 Select the edge of the image you want to clip.
4 If prompted, choose New to create a new clipping boundary.
5 Choose Rectangle. If you want to invert the clip, that is, hide the area inside the
boundary, choose Invert clip before choosing Rectangle.
6 Define the first corner of the clipping rectangle.
7 Define the opposite corner of the clipping rectangle.
Only the portion of the image located within the clipping rectangle is visible.
404 CHAPTER 13

Clipping images in the shape of a polygon

To clip an image in the shape of a polygon
1 Make sure that image frames are turned on — so you can select images — by
choosing Image > Display Image Frame, and then choose On.
2 Do one of the following:
• Choose Insert > Image > Clip Image.
• On the Image toolbar, click the Clip Image tool ( ).
• Type imageclip and then press Enter.
3 Select the edge of the image you want to clip.
4 If prompted, choose New to create a new clipping boundary.
5 Choose Polygon. If you want to invert the clip, that is, hide the area inside the
boundary, choose Invert clip before choosing Polygon.
6 Select the points for the polygon, and then press Enter when the polygon is com-
plete.
Only the portion of the image located within the clipping polygon is visible.

Turning clipping on or off for images

To turn clipping on or off for an image
1 Make sure that image frames are turned on — so you can select images — by
choosing Image > Display Image Frame, and then choose On.
2 Do one of the following:
• Choose Insert > Image > Clip Image.
• On the Image toolbar, click the Clip Image tool ( ).
• Type imageclip and then press Enter.
3 Select the edge of the image for which you want to turn clipping on or off.
4 Choose On or Off.
 WORKING WITH OTHER FILES IN YOUR DRAWINGS 405

Removing clipping from images

To remove clipping from an image
1 Make sure that image frames are turned on — so you can select images — by
choosing Image > Display Image Frame, and then choose On.
2 Do one of the following:
• Choose Insert > Image > Clip Image.
• On the Image toolbar, click the Clip Image tool ( ).
• Type imageclip and then press Enter.
3 Select the edge of the image for which you want to remove clipping.
4 Choose Delete.

Unloading and reloading images

If you find that including an image affects system performance, you can unload it so
only the image frame displays to mark its location. If you want an unloaded image to
print, reload it before printing. You may also want to reload an image if the original
file contains new content.

To unload and reload an image

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Insert > Image > Image Manager.
• On the Image toolbar, click the Image Manager tool ( ).
• Type image and then press Enter.
2 In the Images list, select the desired image. If there is more than one occurrence of
the image in the drawing, do one of the following:
• To unload or reload all occurrences of the image, select a top-level image in the
list.
• To unload or reload a single occurrence of the image, expand a top-level image
in the list, and then select the individual image.
3 Do one of the following:
• To unload the image so only its outer edge displays, click Unload.
• To reload the image so its contents display and print, click Reload.
406 CHAPTER 13

Changing the path for images

If the file associated with an image is renamed or moved to a different location, the
program displays a message indicating that it cannot load the image. You can re-
establish the link to the file by changing the path for the image.

To change the path for an image

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Insert > Image > Image Manager.
• On the Image toolbar, click the Image Manager tool ( ).
• Type image and then press Enter.
2 In the Images list, select the desired image. If there is more than one occurrence of
the image in the drawing, do one of the following:
• To change the path for all occurrences of the image, select a top-level image in
the list.
• To change the path for a single occurrence of the image, expand a top-level
image in the list, and then select the individual image.
3 Click the [...] button.
4 Select the file with its new name or in its new location, and then click Open.
5 Click Set Path.

Deleting images
Once an image is no longer required in the drawing, you can delete it from the draw-
ing. Deleting an image removes it from the drawing, and from the list of images in the
Image Manager dialog box.

To delete an image
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Insert > Image > Image Manager.
• On the Image toolbar, click the Image Manager tool ( ).
• Type image and then press Enter.
2 In the Images list, select the image you want to delete. If there is more than one
occurrence of the image in the drawing, do one of the following:
• To delete all occurrences of the image, select a top-level image in the list.
• To delete a single occurrence of the image, expand a top-level image in the list,
and then select the individual image.
3 Click Detach.
 14

Printing drawings

You can print a copy of your drawing exactly as you created it, or you can add
formatting and specify print controls to change how your drawing looks when it is
printed.
Sometimes you may require multiple printed drawings, each with a different look or
layout. For example, you may need one printed drawing for a client presentation,
along with several other variations for production contractors. For each type of
printed drawing that you require, you can create a layout that defines its
characteristics, including scale, area to print, print style tables, and more.
This section explains how to:
• Start printing right away.
• Set up a drawing to print multiple layouts from paper space on a Layout tab.
• Customize how you want your drawing to look when it is printed.
• Define how to print your drawing further using print styles.
• Print or plot your drawing.

Topics in this chapter

Getting started printing...................................................................................... 408
Defining layouts for printing............................................................................... 409
Customizing and reusing print settings ............................................................. 421
Using print styles...............................................................................................432
Printing or plotting your drawing........................................................................ 444
408 CHAPTER 14

Getting started printing

When you create a drawing, you do most of your work on the Model tab. At any time
you can print your drawing to see how it looks on paper. It’s easy to get started print-
ing, and then later create layouts and custom print settings to enhance your printed
output.

To start printing
1 From the Model tab, do one of the following:
• Choose File > Print.
• On the Standard toolbar, click the Print tool ( ).
If you click the Print tool, the Print dialog box does not display. Your drawing
will be sent directly to the default printer.
• Type print and then press Enter.
2 Click Print.

There are many print options detailed in this section, such as the scale of the drawing,
print area, print style tables, and more.

Type qprint and then press Enter to print the current viewport.
The Print dialog box is bypassed and the drawing is sent directly to the selected
printer.
 PRINTING DRAWINGS 409

Defining layouts for printing

You can print your drawing directly from the Model tab where you created it, or you
can create custom layouts for printing on Layout tabs.
When printing from the Model tab, you can print your drawing exactly the way it
appears, or you can modify the drawing before printing by adding dimensions, a leg-
end, or a title block.
You typically use the Layout tabs for printing if you require multiple print layouts.
You may also want to use a Layout tab for printing even if you want your drawing
printed only one way. For example, if you want to include large amounts of text on
your printed drawing, you can add the text to a Layout tab so it does not clutter your
drawing while you work on the Model tab.

Understanding layouts
When you create a drawing, you do most of your work on the Model tab. Each draw-
ing that you create can contain numerous layouts that simulate the paper on which
you will print a copy of the drawing. Each of these layouts is created on a Layout tab.
You can prepare a separate layout for each way you want to print your drawing. The
layout allows you to organize different views to control which portion of your draw-
ing prints and at what scale.
Before you print, you can also include additional entities and layout settings that con-
trol how your drawing prints. Additional items only appear on the Layout tab, not on
the Model tab. For example, a layout can contain dimensions, title blocks, legends, or
keynotes that print with your model, but do not clutter the screen when you work with
your model on the Model tab.
Use these general steps to prepare your drawing for printing multiple layouts:
1 On the Model tab, create your drawing.
2 Create a new layout. You can use an existing Layout1 or Layout2 tab, or you can
create a new Layout tab. For details, see “Creating a new layout” on page 413 in
this chapter.
3 Create at least one layout viewport on the Layout tab. Use each viewport to help
control which portion of the drawing prints and at what scale. For details, see
“Working with layout viewports” on page 416 in this chapter.
4 Include any additional items that may be required for the specific layout, such as
dimensions, a legend, or a title block.
5 Specify additional settings for the layout, such as the scale of the drawing, print
area, print style tables, and more. For details, see “Customizing and reusing print
settings” on page 421 in this chapter.
6 Print or plot your drawing. For more details, see “Printing or plotting your draw-
ing” on page 444 in this chapter.
410 CHAPTER 14

Understanding paper space and model space

When you start a drawing session, your initial working area is called model space.
Model space is an area in which you create two-dimensional and three-dimensional
entities based on either the World Coordinate System (WCS) or a user coordinate
system (UCS). You view and work in model space while using the Model tab.
Your view of this area is a single viewport that fills the screen. You can create addi-
tional views on the Model tab, called viewports, which can show the same or differ-
ent two-dimensional or three-dimensional views, all of which are displayed in a tiled
manner. You can work in only one of these viewports at a time on the Model tab, and
you can print only the current viewport.

Model space with two viewports.

IntelliCAD provides an additional work area, called paper space. The contents of
paper space represent the paper layout of your drawing. In this work area, you can
create and arrange different views of your model similar to the way you arrange detail
drawings or orthogonal views of a model on a sheet of paper. You can also add
dimensions, keynotes, annotations, borders, title blocks, and other print-related
entities in paper space, which reduces clutter when you work with your model in
model space.
You view and work in paper space while using a Layout tab. Each view, or layout
viewport, that you create in paper space provides a window of your drawing in model
space. You can create one layout viewport or several. You can place layout viewports
anywhere on the screen; their edges can be touching or not; and you can print them all
at the same time.
 PRINTING DRAWINGS 411

You do not need to use paper space to print your drawing, but it offers several advan-
tages:
• Print the same drawing with different print settings that you save with each layout,
for example, printer configuration files, print style tables, lineweight settings,
drawing scale, and more.
• Add print-related entities that are not essential to the model itself, such as key-
notes or annotations, to reduce clutter when you work with your model in model
space on the Model tab.
• For a single layout, create multiple layout viewports that print the model at differ-
ent views and scales.

Paper space with layout viewports.

You can copy and move entities between model space and paper space.
Choose Modify > Change Space, then select the entities you want to copy or move
from paper space to model space or from model space to paper space.
412 CHAPTER 14

Viewing drawings in paper space and model space

When you work in paper space on a Layout tab, you can still view your drawing in
model space. First you need to create a layout viewport in paper space; this allows
you to view your model space entities from paper space.
Within a layout viewport you can modify and snap to model space entities while
working in model space and even snap to model space entities from paper space.
Snapping to model space entities from paper space allows you to accurately dimen-
sion model space entities in paper space. And although it is generally more conve-
nient to modify entities on the Model tab, there are often times when it is convenient
to make modifications from a layout viewport on a Layout tab.
Zooming or panning the drawing in model space or paper space affects the entire
drawing, unless you use multiple windows or viewports. Additionally, if you are
working from paper space, you can lock the layout viewport so the viewport scale and
view center do not change while panning and zooming in the layout viewport.

To view a drawing in model space on the Model tab

Do one of the following:
• Click the Model tab.
• Right-click the Model/Paper Space toggle in the status bar, and then choose
Model.

To view a drawing in paper space on a Layout tab

Do one of the following:
• Click one of the Layout tabs.
• Type layout and then press Enter. In the prompt box, choose Set. Type a name for
the layout you want to make current, and then press Enter.
• Double-click the Model/Paper Space toggle in the status bar. For example, double-
click “Model” or “M:Tab Name” in the status bar to switch to paper space.
• While using a Layout tab, type pspace and then press Enter.
• While using a Layout tab, double-click outside of the layout viewport.
 PRINTING DRAWINGS 413

To view a drawing in model space on a Layout tab

Do one of the following:
• Click the desired Layout tab, and then create and view a layout viewport. For more
details, see “Working with layout viewports” on page 416 in this chapter.
• Double-click the Model/Paper Space toggle in the status bar. For example, double-
click “P:Tab Name” in the status bar to switch to model space on the current Lay-
out tab.
• Type mspace and then press Enter.
• While using a Layout tab, double-click inside of the layout viewport.

Displaying the Model and Layout tabs

The Model and Layout tabs can be hidden, if desired. You may want to hide the tabs
if you only work on the Model tab or if you use the command bar and status bar to
switch between tabs.

To turn the Model and Layout tabs display on or off

Do one of the following:
• Choose View > Display > Model and Layout tabs.
• Choose Tools > Options > Display tab, and choose Show Tabs.

Creating a new layout

In IntelliCAD, you can create multiple layouts for a single drawing. Each layout rep-
resents a sheet of paper. For each layout you can specify the print area, print styles,
print scale, lineweight scale, pen mappings, and add viewports, dimensions, a title
block, and other geometry specific to the layout.
The entities you add to a layout in paper space do not appear in model space.
Each layout requires at least one layout viewport, which is created automatically
when you create a new layout. This viewport displays the drawing’s model space
entities.
When you create a new drawing, the drawing automatically contains two default lay-
outs: Layout1 and Layout2. You can start by using one of the default layouts, you can
create your own, or your can create a new layout from another template (.dwt) file,
drawing (.dwg) file, or drawing interchange (.dxf) file. You can also use IntelliCAD
Explorer to create and manage layouts.
Each drawing can contain up to 255 layouts.

To create a new layout using the Layout1 or Layout2 tab

1 Click the Layout1 or Layout2 tab.
2 If necessary, set up at least one layout viewport. For details, see “Working with
layout viewports” on page 416 in this chapter.
414 CHAPTER 14

3 If desired, rename the layout. For details, see “To rename a layout” on page 415 in
this chapter.

To create a new layout using a new Layout tab

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Insert > Layout > New Layout.
• On the Layouts toolbar, click the New Layout tool ( ).
• Type layout, press Enter, and choose New.
2 Type a unique name for your layout and then press Enter.
The name can be up to 255 characters in length and can contain letters, numbers,
the dollar sign ($), hyphen (-), and underscore (_), or any combination.
3 Set up at least one layout viewport. For details, see “Working with layout view-
ports” on page 416 in this chapter.

To create a new layout from an existing file

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Insert > Layout > Layout from Template.
• On the Layouts toolbar, click the Layout from Template tool ( ).
• Type layout, press Enter, and choose Template.
• Right-click a Layout tab and choose From Template.
2 Select the desired template, drawing, or drawing interchange file that contains the
layout you want, and then click Open.
3 Select the layout(s), and then click OK. You can choose multiple layouts by hold-
ing down Ctrl while selecting layout names.

Reusing layouts from other files

Save time by re-using layouts that you have already created. Within the same draw-
ing, you may want to make a copy of a layout that contains most of the settings you
want, and then make changes to the new copy. If you created layouts that you want to
use again when you create new drawings, you can save the layouts as a drawing tem-
plate.

To make a copy of a layout

1 Type layout and then press Enter.
2 In the prompt box, choose Copy.
3 Type the name of the layout you want to copy, and then press Enter.
4 Type a name for the new layout, and then press Enter.
 PRINTING DRAWINGS 415

To save a layout as a drawing template

1 Type layout and then press Enter.
2 In the prompt box, choose Save.
3 Type the name of the layout that you want to save, and then press Enter.
4 Specify the file name and location for the template, and then click Save.

After you save a layout as a template, you can use the template when you create new
drawings. You can also import the template’s layouts into another drawing.

Managing layouts in a drawing

You can rename layouts, delete layouts, and view a list of all layouts available in a
drawing. You can also change the order in which the Layout tabs appear; the Model
tab is always stationary.
If you want to rename, delete, or reorder a layout when the Layout tabs are hidden,
you can type layout to make your changes or choose View > Display > Model and
Layout Tabs to display the tabs.

To rename a layout
1 Right-click the Layout tab to rename.
2 Type a new name for the layout.
3 Click OK.
The name can be up to 255 characters in length and can contain letters, numbers,
the dollar sign ($), hyphen (-), and underscore (_), or any combination.

To delete a layout
1 Right-click the Layout tab to delete.
2 Click OK to confirm the deletion.

You cannot delete the Model tab or the last remaining Layout tab.
To delete all geometry from the Model tab or a Layout tab, first select all geometry
and then use the Erase command.

To reorder the Layout tabs

1 Right-click the Layout tab you want to move.
2 Do one of the following:
• Choose Move Right, and then choose a new location.
• Choose Move Left, and then choose a new location.
416 CHAPTER 14

To view a list of all layouts

1 Type layout and then press Enter.
2 In the prompt box, choose ? to list all layouts.
3 Type s or press Enter to scroll through the layouts.

Working with layout viewports

A layout viewport is a window in a Layout tab (paper space) that displays all or a por-
tion of a drawing’s model space entities.

Understanding layout viewports

When you begin working in a drawing on the Model tab, it consists of a single view
of your model. You may have created additional views by dividing the drawing space
into multiple windows; each window is a separate viewport on the Model tab.
Similarly, when you begin working in a drawing on a Layout tab, it consists of a sin-
gle view from paperspace of your model. You can also create multiple layout view-
ports that display unique views of your model. Each layout viewport functions as a
window into your model space drawing — with each window looking different from
the next. You can customize the view center, scale, layer visibility, and contents of
each layout viewport. Each layout viewport is created as a separate entity that you can
move, copy, or delete.
Click any layout viewport to make it the current viewport, and then add or modify
model space entities in that viewport, even while snapping to model space entities
from paper space. Any changes you make in one layout viewport are immediately
visible in the other viewports (if the other layout viewports are displaying that portion
of the drawing). Zooming or panning in the current viewport affects only that view-
port.
This section focusses on working with layout viewports in paper space on a Layout
tab. For additional information about viewports in model space, see “Dividing the
current window into multiple views” on page 154.

Creating layout viewports

The first time you switch to a Layout tab, your model displays in a default layout
viewport. You can create other layout viewports anywhere inside the drawing area.
You can control the number of viewports created and the arrangement of the view-
ports.

To create layout viewports

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose View > Viewports > Layout Viewports.
• On the Viewports toolbar, click the Layout Viewports tool ( ).
• Type mview and then press Enter.
 PRINTING DRAWINGS 417

2 Specify two opposing corners to create a custom rectangular viewport, or in the

prompt box, choose one of the following:
• Fit To View — Creates a layout viewport that fills the screen.
• Entity — Converts a closed entity to a layout viewport. You can convert a circle,
ellipse, closed polyline, spline, or region.
• Polygonal — Creates a non-rectangular layout viewport.
• Create 2 Viewports, Create 3 Viewports, Create 4 Viewports — Creates two,
three, or four layout viewports using an orientation that you specify. You can
select whether to arrange the viewports to fill the current graphic area or a
rectangular area that you specify.

The border of a new layout viewport is created on the current layer.

You can make layout viewport borders invisible by creating a new layer before you
create layout viewports and then turning off that layer after you create the layout
viewports. To select a layout viewport’s borders, you must turn that layer back on
before you can rearrange or modify the layout viewport.

A B C

D E F

G H I

You can create a single layout viewport, or you can divide the graphic area into two viewports arranged
vertically (A) or horizontally (B); three viewports arranged left (C), right (D), above (E), below (F), vertically
(G), or horizontally (H); or four viewports (I).
418 CHAPTER 14

Viewing and scaling layout viewports

If you have created numerous layout viewports, your system performance may be
affected. If necessary, you can turn a layout viewport on or off. Turning off a layout
viewport does not delete the viewport or its contents; it simply turns off its display.
You can also change how you view items within a layout viewport by specifying a
scale factor, which changes how large or small model space entities appear within the
layout viewport.

To turn layout viewports on or off

1 Click the desired Layout tab.
2 Do one of the following:
• Choose View > Viewports > Layout Viewports.
• On the Viewports toolbar, click the Layout Viewports tool ( ).
• Type mview and then press Enter.
3 Choose On or Off.
4 Select the edge of the layout viewport to turn on or off, and then press Enter.

To change the layout viewport scale

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Modify > Properties.
• On the Modify toolbar, click the Properties tool ( ).
• Type entprop and then press Enter.
2 Select the edge of the layout viewport.
3 In Custom Scale, enter the scale at which you want to view model space entities
from within the layout viewport.
4 Click OK.

To change the scale of model space entities relative to paper space

1 Click the Model tab.
2 Click a viewport to make it current.
3 Choose View > Zoom > Zoom.
4 Type the zoom scale factor relative to paper space by appending the suffix xp to
the scale factor, and then press Enter.
For example, to increase the scale of the entities in the viewport on the Model tab
to twice the size of paper space units, type 2xp. To decrease the scale to half the
size of paper space units, type .5xp.
 PRINTING DRAWINGS 419

Modifying layout viewports

After you create layout viewports, you can modify them as needed. On the Layout
tab, you can snap to the viewport borders using entity snaps. You can copy, delete,
move, scale, and stretch layout viewports as you would any other drawing entity.
Additionally, you can lock a layout viewport so the viewport scale and view center do
not change in model space while panning or zooming in the layout viewport. If you
are working on model space entities from a Layout tab, locking the layout viewport
prevents you from constantly changing the layout viewport scale and view center.
And assigning a UCS to each viewport allows you to quickly switch between layout
viewports and immediately draw in a different UCS. This can greatly increase pro-
ductivity, especially when creating complex 3D models.
Modifying a layout viewport on a Layout tab does not affect the model space entities
within the layout viewport.

To modify layout viewport properties

1 Click the desired Layout tab.
2 Do one of the following:
• Choose Modify > Properties.
• On the Modify toolbar, click the Properties tool ( ).
• Type entprop and then press Enter.
3 Select the edge of the layout viewport you want to modify.
4 Adjust the center point, width, or height of the viewport.
5 In Custom Scale, enter the scale at which you want to view model space entities
from within the layout viewport.
6 In Display Locked, choose True to lock the viewport scale and view in model
space while panning or zooming in the layout viewport.
7 Mark UCS per Viewport if you want to use a unique UCS for each layout view-
port.
8 Click OK.

You can select only layout viewports for modification.

If you click a viewport on the Model tab, it makes that viewport active, not available
for modification.
420 CHAPTER 14

Clipping layout viewports

You can clip layout viewports so that only a portion of the viewport is visible on a
Layout tab. You can clip layout viewports in the shape of a new polygon or an exist-
ing circle, ellipse, closed spline, closed polyline, or region.
If you delete clipping from a layout viewport, the clipping is removed permanently
but the viewport itself and its contents remain in the drawing.

To clip a layout viewport in the shape of an existing entity

1 Click a Layout tab, and select the desired layout viewport.
2 Type vpclip and then press Enter.
3 In the drawing, select an existing circle, ellipse, closed spline, closed polyline, or
region to use as a clipping boundary.

To clip a layout viewport in the shape of a new polygon

1 Click a Layout tab, and select the desired layout viewport.
2 Type vpclip and then press Enter.
3 Press Enter to create a new clipping boundary.
4 Define the first point of the clipping polygon.
5 Define additional points.
6 Press Enter when done.

To delete a clipping boundary

1 Click a Layout tab, and select the desired layout viewport.
2 Type vpclip and then press Enter.
3 Choose Delete, and then press Enter.
 PRINTING DRAWINGS 421

Customizing and reusing print settings

Most drawings require adjustments to print settings in order to print the way you
want. You can make adjustments to the print settings each time you print, but you can
also create page setups, which save the print settings and assign them to different lay-
outs in your drawing. If you have several perspectives of your drawing that require
printing, using page setups is the most efficient way to print.

Working with page setups

Page setups store printer information for specific models or layouts, which eliminates
the need to completely reconfigure your print settings each time you print a drawing
and helps ensure that each perspective of a drawing prints as planned.

Assigning a page setup to a model or layout

Because the main model on the Model tab and the various layouts for printing on the
Layout tabs all may require unique print settings, the model and each layout can be
assigned a separate page setup. If some layouts use the same print settings, those
layouts can be assigned the same page setup.
Assigning a page setup to a model or layout doesn’t mean it will always print with the
specified settings. All of the print settings specified for a page setup can be overrid-
den at print time.

To assign a page setup to a model or layout

1 Click the Model tab or Layout tab that you want to assign a page setup.
2 Do one of the following:
• Choose File > Page Setup Manager.
• On the Format toolbar, click the Page Setup Manager tool ( ).
• Type pagesetup and then press Enter.
3 Select the desired page setup.
4 Click Set Current.
5 Click OK.

You can also choose a page setup at print time.

In the Print dialog box, select a different page setup from the Page Setup list before
you click Print.
422 CHAPTER 14

F
B
E
D

A Displays the name of the model or layout to which
the current page setup is assigned.
B Displays a list of all model page setups or layout
page setups, depending on whether you were
viewing the Model tab or a Layout tab before
opening the dialog box.
C Displays details about the currently selected page
setup.
D Click to delete the currently selected page setup.
E Click to modify the settings for the currently
selected page setup.
F Click to create a new page setup.
G Click to assign the currently selected page setup to
the current layout.

Creating a page setup

There are two types of page setups:
• Model page setup — Contains print settings available for the model on the Model
tab.
• Layout page setup — Contains print settings available for one or more layouts on
the Layout tabs.

IntelliCAD comes with two default page setups — one model page setup and one lay-
out page setup. You can create as many additional page setups, of either type, as
required for any drawing. Each page setup specifies many aspects of printing, includ-
ing page size, default printer or plotter, page orientation, print scale, and more.
 PRINTING DRAWINGS 423

To create a page setup

1 To create a model page setup, click the Model tab. To create a layout page setup,
click any Layout tab.
2 Do one of the following:
• Choose File > Page Setup Manager.
• On the Format toolbar, click the Page Setup Manager tool ( ).
• Type pagesetup and then press Enter.
3 Click Add.

You can create a new page setup based on the print settings of an existing page setup.
Select an existing page setup in the list, then click Add. The new page setup uses
the print settings of the existing page setup as a starting point.

4 Enter a name for the page setup, then click OK.

5 Select the desired print options.
6 Click OK.
424 CHAPTER 14

B
C V

U
D

T
S
E R
F Q
G
H P
I
J
O
K
N

L M

A Displays “Layout” if creating a layout page setup or
“Model” if creating a model page setup.
B Enter any changes to page setup name.
C Click to specify options for the selected printer.
D Select the printer and view its details.
E Select a paper size supported by the selected
printer.
F Select a predefined print scale, or choose Custom
to specify your own.
G Select to fit the specified print area to the current
paper size.
H Specify the custom scale for the print area by typing
the ratio of drawing units to printed inches or printed
millimeters.
I Click to specify drawing units and paper size in
millimeters or inches.
J Select to center the print area on the printed page.
K Type x- and y-coordinates to specify the origin of
the print area.
L Click to select the area of the drawing that you want
to print.
M Type the x- and y-coordinates of the two opposing
corners of the rectangular area to print, or click
Select Print Area to specify coordinates in the
drawing window. (Available only if Window is
selected for What to print.)
N Select to print the drawing upside down on your
printer.
O Select portrait (vertical) or landscape (horizontal)
orientation.
P Select how to print lineweights and print styles.
Q Select to prevent paperspace entities from printing.
R Select to print paperspace entities after printing
modelspace entities.
S Select to show print styles when viewing the layout.
T Select to print entities with their assigned
lineweights. If you turn off lineweight printing,
entities print with a default outline.
U Select options for shaded viewports. Quality and
DPI are not currently implemented.
V Select a print style table to apply during printing, or
select None. Click [...] to modify the selected print
style table.
 PRINTING DRAWINGS 425

Modifying an existing page setup

You can change any of the print settings associated with a page setup, which elimi-
nates the need to override the settings when it comes time to print the model or each
layout that is assigned the page setup.
If you change the settings for a layout print setup, all layouts assigned that print setup
will print using the new settings.

To modify an existing page setup

1 To modify a model page setup, click the Model tab. To modify a layout page
setup, click any Layout tab.
2 Do one of the following:
• Choose File > Page Setup Manager.
• On the Format toolbar, click the Page Setup Manager tool ( ).
• Type pagesetup and then press Enter.
3 Select the page setup you want to change.
4 Click Modify.
5 Select the desired print options.
6 Click OK.

Deleting a page setup

If you delete a page setup that is assigned to the model or a layout, that model or lay-
out will no longer be assigned a page setup.

To delete a page setup

1 To delete a model page setup, click the Model tab. To delete a layout page setup,
click any Layout tab.
2 Do one of the following:
• Choose File > Page Setup Manager.
• On the Format toolbar, click the Page Setup Manager tool ( ).
• Type pagesetup and then press Enter.
3 Select the page setup you want to delete.
4 Click Delete.
5 Click Yes to confirm the deletion.

Setting the paper size and orientation

You can specify a paper size and paper orientation for all drawings. You can also
adjust the orientation by printing a drawing upside down on the paper. Each layout in
your drawing can specify whether to print upside down.
426 CHAPTER 14

To select the paper size and orientation

1 Click the Layout tab or Model tab for which you want to set paper size and orien-
tation.
2 Do one of the following:
• Choose File > Page Setup Manager.
• On the Format toolbar, click the Page Setup Manager tool ( ).
• Type pagesetup and then press Enter.
3 Select the desired page setup, then click Modify.
4 In Paper size, select a paper size supported by the currently selected printer.
5 In Orientation, select the following settings:
• Portrait or Landscape — Select Portrait for vertical paper orientation or
Landscape for horizontal paper orientation.
• Print upside down — Select to print the drawing upside down on your printer.
6 Click OK.
7 Click OK.

Selecting a printer or plotter

You can specify a printer or plotter to be used when printing any drawing. You can
print your drawing on any printer or plotter that is compatible with Windows, includ-
ing raster printers.

To select a printer or plotter

1 Click the Layout tab or Model tab for which you want to select a printer.
2 Do one of the following:
• Choose File > Page Setup Manager.
• On the Format toolbar, click the Page Setup Manager tool ( ).
• Type pagesetup and then press Enter.
3 Select the desired page setup, then click Modify.
4 From the Printer Name list, select a printer or plotter.
5 If desired, click Properties to choose options for the currently selected printer.
6 Click OK.
7 Click OK.
 PRINTING DRAWINGS 427

Setting the scale and view

You can print or plot the entire drawing or a selected portion of a drawing. You can
choose to print what is visible on the screen, or you can specify to print an area of the
drawing.
You can control the position of the drawing on the paper by specifying the origin of
the print area, the location of the lower left corner of the print area, in relation to the
lower left corner of the paper. The origin is normally set to 0,0, which places the
lower left corner of the print area as close to the lower left corner of the paper as the
printer or plotter will allow. You can specify a different origin, however, by
specifying different coordinates.
When you create a drawing, you generally draw entities full-size. When you print the
drawing, you can specify the scale of the resulting print or let the program adjust the
size of the drawing to fit the paper. To print the drawing at a specific scale, specify
the scale as a ratio of drawing units to printed units.
If you are printing from a Layout tab, the scale and view options you specify can be
different for each layout that you create.

To automatically scale the drawing for printing

1 Click the Layout tab or Model tab for which you want to set to scale automati-
cally.
2 Do one of the following:
• Choose File > Page Setup Manager.
• On the Format toolbar, click the Page Setup Manager tool ( ).
• Type pagesetup and then press Enter.
3 Select the desired page setup, then click Modify.
4 In Print Scale, select Fit to Paper to scale the drawing to fit on one printed page.
5 Click OK.
6 Click OK.
428 CHAPTER 14

To specify the scale factor yourself

1 Click the Layout tab or Model tab for which you want to specify the scale factor.
2 Do one of the following:
• Choose File > Page Setup Manager.
• On the Format toolbar, click the Page Setup Manager tool ( ).
• Type pagesetup and then press Enter.
3 Select the desired page setup, then click Modify.
4 In Print Scale, do one of the following:
• Select a pre-defined scale in the Scale list. For example, choose 1:2 if you want
1 printed unit (inch or millimeter) to equal 2 drawing units.
• Type the ratio of printed units of measure (inches or millimeters) to drawing
units.
5 To specify the printed units of measure, choose Inches or Millimeters.
6 Click OK.
7 Click OK.

To specify a portion of the drawing to print

1 Click the Layout tab or Model tab for which you want to specify the area to print.
2 Do one of the following:
• Choose File > Page Setup Manager.
• On the Format toolbar, click the Page Setup Manager tool ( ).
• Type pagesetup and then press Enter.
3 Select the desired page setup, then click Modify.
4 In What to Print, click one of the following:
• Display — Prints the view on the screen.
• Extents — Prints the area that contains entities in the drawing.
• Limits — Prints to the limits defined for the drawing. (Available for model page
setups only.)
• Layout — Prints to the edge of the layout. (Available for layout page setups
only.)
• View — Prints the selected saved view. (Available for drawings that have saved
views.)
• Window — Prints the portion of the drawing contained in the specified window,
maintaining the aspect ratio of the windowed area to the drawing.
 PRINTING DRAWINGS 429

If you clicked Window, you must specify the window. Under Windowed Print
Area, enter the diagonal x- and y-coordinates of the window, or select the area on
the screen.
5 Click OK.
6 Click OK.

To specify the print area origin

1 Click the Layout tab or Model tab for which you want to setting paper size and ori-
entation.
2 Do one of the following:
• Choose File > Page Setup Manager.
• On the Format toolbar, click the Page Setup Manager tool ( ).
• Type pagesetup and then press Enter.
3 Select the desired page setup, then click Modify.
4 Under Print Offset, do one of the following:
• To center the specified print area on the printed page, select Center on Page.
• To specify an origin for the print area, type the x- and y-coordinates.
5 Click OK.
6 Click OK.

Specifying print options specifically for layouts

Each layout in your drawing can specify certain print settings that apply only to lay-
outs: lineweight scaling, print style display, and paperspace print options.

To set print options for only layouts

1 Click a Layout tab.
2 Do one of the following:
• Choose File > Page Setup Manager.
• On the Format toolbar, click the Page Setup Manager tool ( ).
• Type pagesetup and then press Enter.
3 Select the desired page setup, then click Modify.
4 In the Layout Tab Options area, choose the desired print settings:
• Scale lineweights — Select to print lineweights in proportion to the specified
Print Scale settings; if not selected, lineweights print at their assigned size.
Note that print styles can also affect how lineweights print.
• Display print styles — Select to show print styles when viewing the layout.
430 CHAPTER 14

• Print paperspace last — Select to print paperspace entities after printing model-
space entities. By default, paperspace entities print first.
• Hide paperspace entities — Select to prevent paperspace entities from printing.
5 Click OK.
6 Click OK.

Specifying shaded viewport print options

Each model page setup can specify how to print shaded viewports: as displayed, wire-
frame, hidden, or rendered. Note that Quality and DPI are not currently implemented.

To set print options for shaded viewports

1 Click the Layout tab or Model tab for which you want to set shaded viewport set-
tings.
2 Do one of the following:
• Choose File > Page Setup Manager.
• On the Format toolbar, click the Page Setup Manager tool ( ).
• Type pagesetup and then press Enter.
3 Select the desired page setup, then click Modify.
4 In the Shaded Viewport Options area, choose the desired settings:
• Shade — Select how to print shaded viewports
• Quality — Select the resolution to use for the printed viewport. (Not currently
implemented.)
• DPI — Enter the custom dots per inch to use for printing the viewport shading.
Available only if Quality is set to Custom. (Not currently implemented.)
5 Click OK.
6 Click OK.

Specifying pen and line printing options

Each layout in your drawing can specify certain print settings that apply only to lay-
outs: lineweight scaling, print style display, and paperspace print options.
 PRINTING DRAWINGS 431

To set pen and line printing options

1 Click the Layout tab or Model tab for which you want to set pen and line printing
options.
2 Do one of the following:
• Choose File > Page Setup Manager.
• On the Format toolbar, click the Page Setup Manager tool ( ).
• Type pagesetup and then press Enter.
3 Select the desired page setup, then click Modify.
4 Choose the desired settings:
• Print style table — Select a print style table to apply during printing, or select
None. If you select a print style table, you can click [...] to modify its settings.
• Print with entity lineweights — Select to print entities with their assigned
lineweights. If you turn off lineweight printing, entities print with a default
outline. This option is available if Print with Print Styles option is disabled.
• Print with print styles — Select to print according to the print style settings in
the currently selected print style table. Entity lineweights are ignored.
5 Click OK.
6 Click OK.

Using printer configuration files

Printer configuration files store the printer information you use for specific drawings
or layouts, which eliminates the need to completely reconfigure your print settings
each time you print a drawing. Printer configuration files also allow you to share and
reuse print settings between different drawings and layouts.
IntelliCAD supports the printer configuration files (PCP and PC3 files) used by Auto-
CAD. This feature makes it possible to use existing PCP files saved in AutoCAD, as
well as to save your IntelliCAD print configuration settings to a PC3 format.
You can convert an AutoCAD PC2 file to PCP format using the Device And Default
selection feature in the AutoCAD Print dialog box.

To save printer settings in a PCP file

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Options.
• Type config and then press Enter.
2 Click the Printing tab.
3 Click Add or Configure Printers.
4 To add a PC3 file, click Add to create a new PC3 file. In the Add Printer Configu-
ration File dialog box that opens, select the desired printer for the new PC3 file,
432 CHAPTER 14

click Continue, and select the options you want for the PC3 file. If you don’t select
any custom options, a PC3 file will not be created.
5 To modify or delete a PC3 file, select the desired file in the list and click Modify
or Delete.
6 Click OK.

To assign a PCP file

1 If necessary, click the desired Layout tab or the Model tab.
2 Do one of the following:
• Choose File > Print.
• Type print and then press Enter.
3 In Name for the printer, select the printer configuration file from the list.

Using plotter drivers

To print your drawing, the program sends the output to any printer driver in up to 256
colors, but with no width specified. Initially, the printed output will have a uniform
fine width that is the finest line that the plotter device can produce.
The driver then passes colored vectors to the printer, which creates color output on
color printers and grayscale output on laser printers. (Color output that converts to
grayscale on a laser printer usually is unacceptable by CAD users for final printing.)
With print style tables, you can map all colors to black and set all lineweights to a
width you choose. You must use a value appropriate to your printing capabilities.
With these features, you can meet most non-presentation print needs.

Using print styles

IntelliCAD uses print styles to change the appearance of your printed drawing with-
out modifying the actual entities in your drawing. Assigning print styles allows you to
customize the color, pen width, linetype, and lineweight that are used to print your
drawing.
Print styles help you control what your drawing looks like when it is printed. Rather
than describe what an entity looks like on your screen, print styles describe what an
entity will look like when you print it. For example, you can map all yellow entities in
your drawing to print in blue without modifying the actual entities. You could also
map all yellow entities to print with whatever lineweight, linetype, or pen width that
you specify.
 PRINTING DRAWINGS 433

Because print styles are saved in print style tables, which are files located on your
computer, disk, or server, you can reuse them to help eliminate the need to reconfig-
ure your print settings each time you print a drawing. For example, you may have
multiple clients who have their own printing preferences. You can save print styles in
a named file for each of your clients. You can even share the file with co-workers, or
store the files on a network to ensure that everyone in your office uses the same stan-
dards.

Understanding print style tables

A print style table is a collection of print styles that allows you to change the appear-
ance of your printed drawing without modifying the actual entities in your drawing.
Each print style table is saved in a file that can be located on your computer, disk, or
server.
A drawing can use one type of print style table at a time. There are two types of print
style tables:
• Color-dependent print style tables (CTB) contain a collection of print styles based on
each of the 255 index colors available in a drawing. True colors and color books
are not applicable to color-dependent print style tables.
• Named print style tables (STB) contain a collection of print styles that you define.
They can vary regardless of color.

With color-dependent print style tables, you cannot assign print styles to individual
entities or layers. To use these print styles, you assign a specific color to an entity or
layer. When you specify a color-dependent print style table at printing time, the entity
colors and layer colors map to color-based print styles in the print style table that you
specify.
With named print style tables, you can assign named print styles to individual entities
and layers. Entities and layers assigned print styles are printed according to the print
style table that you specify at printing time. If you specify a print style for a specific
entity, that print style overrides any print style assigned to the layer on which the
entity resides.
Sometimes a named print style assigned to an entity or layer is not located in the print
style table that is assigned to a layout or drawing. This can happen if the print style
has been deleted from the named print style table or if you assign a different named
print style table to the drawing that does not contain the named print style. In this
case, the entity is printed using its default properties, which is similar to assigning the
Normal print style to an entity or layer. If you plan on interchanging named print style
tables within the same drawing, it’s a good idea to coordinate the tables to use the
same print style names.
434 CHAPTER 14

If a new drawing is based on a template, the new drawing uses the same type of print
style table as the template. If a new drawing is created without a template, the type of
print style table is specified in the New Drawing Wizard; by default, the new drawing
uses the print style table type specified in Tools > Options on the Printing tab. Every
drawing is designed to use print style tables, but you decide whether to implement
them.

Comparison of print style table types

Color-dependent print
style table (CTB) Named print style table (STB)
Description Contains pre-defined print styles Contains unique print styles that you
according to color; there is one print style create. Entities with the same color can
for each of the 255 index colors available have different print settings.
in the drawing. Entities with the same
color are printed the same way.
Example All blue entities print with a .5 millimeter One entity prints with a .7 millimeter
lineweight. lineweight; a second blue prints with a .5
millimeter lineweight.
Number of 255 (fixed). At least one (varies).
print styles
Print style Print style names range from “Color_1” You define new print style names. You
names to “Color_255”. You cannot rename print can rename all print styles except the
styles. Normal print style.
Add, delete, You can modify the existing print styles, You can add and delete print styles. You
and modify but you cannot add or delete print styles. can modify all print styles except the
print styles Normal print style, which uses the
default characteristics of the entity.
Create Yes. Yes.
additional
tables
Assignment Current print style: New entities always Current print style: Assigned to new
assigned BYCOLOR. entities.

Print styles: Assigned to colors in the Print styles: Assigned to entities and
print style table. layers.

Print style tables: Assigned to a Layout Print style tables: Assigned to a Layout
tab or the Model tab. tab or the Model tab.
Legacy file You can import existing printer Not applicable.
support configuration files (PCP) files into the
print style table. CTB files are similar to
PCP files primarily used in previous
versions of IntelliCAD.

Implementing print style tables

Every drawing is designed to use print style tables, but you decide whether to imple-
ment them. Even if you use one of the default print style tables available with Intelli-
CAD, using print style tables requires planning ahead of time to ensure that your
drawing prints as planned.
 PRINTING DRAWINGS 435

For example, a single drawing of a floor plan might require the printing of the follow-
ing drawing sheets:
• Main Floor Plan Walls print with thick, black lines.
• Electrical Plan Walls print with normal gray lines, indicating that they are not the
focus.
• HVAC Plan Walls print with normal gray lines, indicating that they are not the
focus.
• Roof Plan Walls print with thin, gray lines and a hidden linetype, indicating that
they are hidden under the roof in a plan view.

In this example, you can create four named print style tables, each containing a print
style named “WallPstyle”. Each print style table contains its own settings for
“WallPstyle” to control how the walls print. Assign WallPstyle to either the wall enti-
ties or to a wall layer. Then, assign a different named print style table each time you
print, or create four layouts and assign a different print style table to each layout.
The following table describes, in order, the steps to get you started using both color-
dependent and named print style tables.

Getting started using print style tables

Color-
dependent Named Task Command Where to get details
X X Create a new drawing. Select a drawing File > New Creating a new drawing, page 36
template that uses the desired print style
table type or choose it in the New Drawing
Wizard.
X X (Optional) Create a new print style table. File > Print Styles Manager Creating new print style tables,
page 437
X Assign colors to entities and layers that Modify > Properties Setting the current entity color,
correspond with print style table settings. Tools > IntelliCAD Explorer page 41; Modifying the properties
of entities, page 271; Setting the
layer color, page 198
X Set the current print style assigned to new Tools > Drawing Settings > Setting the current print style,
entities. Entity Creation tab; status page 45
bar; printstyle
X Assign print styles to entities. Modify > Properties; Entity Modifying the properties of
Properties toolbar; printstyle entities, page 271
X Use IntelliCAD Explorer to assign print Tools > IntelliCAD Explorer Setting the layer print style, page
styles to layers. 203
X X Assign a print style table to the Model tab, File > Print > Advanced tab Assigning print style tables, page
a layout, or to all layouts in the drawing. 436
X X (Optional) Make changes to the assigned File > Print Styles Manager Modifying print style tables, page
print style table. File > Print > Advanced tab 438
X X Print the drawing. File > Print Printing or plotting your drawing,
page 444
436 CHAPTER 14

The following table describes how to further customize how print styles work within
your drawings.

Further customizing print style tables

Task
Copy, rename, or delete print style
tables.
Change a drawing to use another type
of print style table, for example, change
a drawing that uses color-dependent
print style tables to one that uses
named print style tables.
Convert a color-dependent print style
table to a named print style table.
Change the default location where print
style tables are stored.
Customize how print styles work with
new drawings that you create and older
drawings that you open.
Command Where to get details
File > Print Styles Manager Copying, renaming, or
deleting print style tables,
page 441
convertpstyles Changing the print style
table type of a drawing,
page 441
convertctb Converting print style
tables, page 442
Tools > Options > Paths/Files Changing the options on
tab the Paths/Files tab, page
525
Tools > Options > Printing tab Changing the options on
the Printing tab, page 540

Assigning print style tables

Select a print style table before printing if you want to change how your drawing
appears when you print it. Print style tables can modify how colors, pen widths, line-
types, and lineweights look when they are printed.
You can assign print style tables globally for all layouts (including the Model tab), or
individually for the Model tab or a Layout tab. Assigning a print style table to an indi-
vidual layout allows you to further customize the layouts you use to print a drawing.
However, assigning different named print style tables to various layouts may result in
mismatched print style names; a named print style assigned to an entity or layer may
not be located in the assigned print style table at print time. In this case, entities are
printed using their default properties, which is similar to assigning the Normal print
style to an entity or layer.

To assign a print style table at the same time you print

1 If necessary, click the desired Layout tab, or click the Model tab.
2 Do one of the following:
• Choose File > Print.
• Type print and then press Enter.
 PRINTING DRAWINGS 437

You can assign a print style table to a page setup.

Use the Page Setup Manager to assign a print style table to a page setup that you
use for printing. For more details, see Specifying pen and line printing options.

3 Under Print Style Table (Pen Assignments), select a print style table that you cre-
ated or one of the following:
• None — Applies no print style table. Entities print according to their own
properties.
• Icad — Uses the default print style table and its color assignments.
• Monochrome — Prints all colors as black.
4 Select Save Changes to Layout, and then click OK.

When a drawing is first created it is assigned to use either color-dependent or named print
style tables.
For details on converting a drawing to use a different type of print style table, see
“Understanding print style tables” on page 433 in this chapter.

Creating new print style tables

IntelliCAD offers several print style tables to help you get started. If you want to cus-
tomize your print output further, you can create your own print style table. You can
create a new print style table entirely from scratch, based on IntelliCAD registry set-
tings, or by importing a printer configuration file (PCP file).

To create new print style tables

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose File > Print Styles Manager.
• Choose Format > Print Styles Manager.
• On the Format toolbar, click the Print Styles Manager tool ( ).
• Type stylesmanager and then press Enter.
2 Click Add.
3 Complete the setup wizard.
On the last wizard page, you can click Print Style Table Editor to set up the print
styles for the table. For more details about the Print Style Table Editor options, see
the next section.
438 CHAPTER 14

E
D
C
B

A Displays the location where print style tables are C Click to delete the currently selected print style
located. table.
B Displays a list of all print style tables available in the D Click to modify the settings for the currently
named folder. selected print style table.
E Click to create a new print style table.

Modifying print style tables

When your drawing was created, it was set up to use color-dependent or named print
style tables:
• Color-dependent print style tables (.ctb files) — You can modify individual print
styles within the table, but you cannot add, rename, or delete print styles. Color-
dependent print style tables always have 255 print styles, each named for a spe-
cific color. Your changes affect all entities and layers assigned that color.
• Named print style tables (.stb files) — You can add, modify, rename, and delete
individual print styles within the table. However, you cannot modify, rename, or
delete the Normal print style. Your changes affect all entities and layers that are
assigned that print style name.

Use a system variable to determine the type of print style table your drawing uses.
If you can’t remember what type of print style table is assigned to your drawing, use
the PSTYLEMODE system variable to determine the print style table type.

Each print style within a print style table specifies a color, pen numbers, linetype, and
lineweight. IntelliCAD recognizes additional characteristics for compatibility with
AutoCAD only, including: dither, grayscale, screening, adaptive, line end style, line
join style, and fill style.
When specifying print style characteristics, be sure to consider the limitations of your
output device.
 PRINTING DRAWINGS 439

It is recommended that you only modify print style tables that you have created.
If you modify a default print style table that came with IntelliCAD, you overwrite the
original information which is then lost.

To modify print style tables

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose File > Print Styles Manager.
• Choose Format > Print Styles Manager.
• On the Format toolbar, click the Print Styles Manager tool ( ).
• Type stylesmanager and then press Enter.
2 Select the print style table you want to modify.
3 Click Modify.
4 Click the General tab, and then do any of the following:
• Enter a new table description.
• Select Apply Global Scale Factor to Non-ISO Linetypes to apply the scale factor
to non-ISO linetypes used for any print style in the current print style table. This
also applies to fill patterns, which are not used in IntelliCAD, but are recognized
for compatibility with AutoCAD.
• Enter a scale factor to apply to non-ISO linetypes used for any print style in the
current print style table.
5 Click the Form View tab, and then do any of the following:
• Make format changes to a print style by selecting it in the Print Styles list, then
make color, pen map, linetype, or lineweight changes for the print style. Your
changes are saved automatically for the selected print style.
• Add a new print style by clicking Add Style. Enter a new name, and then click
OK. Select the options for the print style. (Available for named print styles
only.)
• Rename a print style by selecting it in the Print Styles list. Single-click the print
style again, and then enter a new name. (Available for named print styles only.)
• Delete a print style by selecting it in the Print Styles list. Click Delete Style.
(Available for named print styles only.)
440 CHAPTER 14

6 Click OK.

R
Q
P
O
A
N
M
L
K
J
I
H
B
G

C F
D E

A Select a print style to modify it.
B Enter a description for the selected print style.
C Click to create a new print style. (Named print
style tables only.)
D Click to delete the selected print style. (Named
print style tables only.)
E Click to modify the list of available lineweights for
the current print style table.
F Click to save the print style table with a new name
or in a new location.
G Choose a fill style for the selected print style.
H Choose a line join style for the selected print
style.
I Choose a line end style for the selected print
style.
J Choose a lineweight for the selected print style.
K Choose whether to adjust the linetype scale
automatically to complete the linetype pattern
when necessary.
L Choose a linetype for the selected print style.
M Select the level of color intensity for the selected
print style: 100 is full intensity, 0 is white. (Dither
must be on.)
N Type or scroll to the width of the virtual pen for the
selected print style (for printers that don’t have
physical pens, such as laser or inkjet printers).
O Type or scroll to the width of the physical pen for
the selected print style.
P Choose whether to print the selected print style in
grayscale.
Q Choose whether to turn on dithering for the
selected print style.
R Choose a color for the selected print style.
 PRINTING DRAWINGS 441

Copying, renaming, or deleting print style tables

Copy, rename, or delete a print style table just as you would any other file on your
computer. Regardless of which print style table type your drawing uses, you can use
the Print Style Manager to manage both color-dependent and named print style tables.

To delete print style tables

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose File > Print Styles Manager.
• Choose Format > Print Styles Manager.
• On the Format toolbar, click the Print Styles Manager tool ( ).
• Type stylesmanager and then press Enter.
2 Select a print style table, then click Delete.
Color-dependent print style tables are .ctb files and named print style tables are
.stb files.

To copy, rename, or delete print style tables

1 On your computer, open the folder that stores print style tables, for example,
\CompanyName\ProductVersion\Print Styles.
2 Copy, rename, or delete the print style table just as you would any other file on
your computer.

Changing the print style table type of a drawing

When your drawing was created, it was set up to use color-dependent print style
tables (.ctb files) or named print style tables (.stb files). A drawing can use one type
of print style table at a time. If necessary, after a drawing is created you can convert
the drawing to use the other type of print style table.
If you can’t remember what type of print style table is assigned to your drawing, use
the PSTYLEMODE system variable to determine the print style table type.

To change a drawing to use named print style tables

1 If you want to reuse any of the existing print style information, convert your color-
dependent print style tables to named print style tables. For details, see “To con-
442 CHAPTER 14

vert a color-dependent print style table to a named print style table” on page 443 in
this chapter.
2 Open the drawing that uses color-dependent print style tables (.ctb files).
3 Type convertpstyles, and then press Enter.
4 If you have already converted your individual color-dependent print style tables to
named tables, click OK in the prompt that displays.
If you have not converted the tables, click Cancel. First use convertctb to convert
your color-dependent print style tables to named tables. If you do not, all of the
print style information you specified in your drawing will be lost.
5 Select a named print style table (.stb file) that you want to use with the drawing.
6 Click Open.

Errors will occur if you have not converted print style tables.
If you have not converted a color-dependent print style table to a named print style
table, you will be warned that the table you have selected does not contain color map-
ping and the drawing cannot be converted.

To change a drawing to use color-dependent print style tables

1 Open the drawing that uses named print style tables (.stb files).
2 Type convertpstyles, and then press Enter.
3 If you are sure you want to convert the drawing and lose all print style assign-
ments, click OK in the prompt that displays.
If you do not want to lose the print style assignments, click Cancel.

Converting a drawing to use color-dependent print style tables will remove all of the
named print style information from entities and layers.
However, the named print style tables are not deleted from your computer.

Converting print style tables

You can convert a color-dependent print style table to a named print style table. You
cannot convert a named print style table to a color-dependent print style table because
color-dependent tables contain only print styles that are named after the 255 colors to
which they map.
Converting a color-dependent print style table to a named print style table can be
helpful in the following situations:
• You don’t want to create a named print style table from scratch.
• You want to create a named print style table that has the same settings as a color-
dependent print style table, but with some new print styles or other custom set-
tings.
 PRINTING DRAWINGS 443

• You want to convert a drawing to use named print style tables and you want to
reuse most of print styles already defined in a color-dependent print style table.

To convert a color-dependent print style table to a named print style table

1 Type convertctb, and then press Enter.
2 Select the color-dependent print style table (.ctb file) that you want to convert.
3 Click Open.
4 Enter a name for the new named print style table (.stb file).
5 Click Save.

The print styles in the new table are named Style 1, Style 2, and so on. If want to use
different print style names, rename the print styles before you assign them to entities
and layers in your drawing. If you rename the print styles after assigning them, they
will not match when you print your drawing. For information about renaming print
styles, see “Modifying print style tables” on page 438 in this chapter.

Turning print style tables on or off

When you turn off print style tables, entities print according to their own properties.
However, all of the print style information is saved so you can easily turn on print
styles again. Actual print style table files are not deleted, and for drawings that use
named print style tables, entities and layers retain their assigned print styles.

To turn off print style tables

1 Click the Layout tab or Model tab for which you want to turn on or off print style
tables.
2 Do one of the following:
• Choose File > Page Setup Manager.
• On the Format toolbar, click the Page Setup Manager tool ( ).
• Type pagesetup and then press Enter.
3 Select the desired page setup, then click Modify.
4 In Print style table, select a print style table to turn on print style tables, or select
None to turn off print style tables.
5 Click OK.
6 Click OK.
444 CHAPTER 14

Printing or plotting your drawing

After you have configured your drawing and any layouts for printing, you are ready
to print. If desired, you can preview your page before printing.

Previewing a drawing before printing

Viewing a drawing before printing gives you a preview of what your drawing will
look like when it is printed. This helps you see if there are any changes you want to
make before actually printing the drawing.
If you are using print style tables, the preview shows how your drawing will print
with the assigned print styles. For example, the preview may display different colors
or lineweights than those used in the drawing because of assigned print styles.

To preview a drawing before printing

1 If necessary, click the desired Layout tab or the Model tab.
2 Do one of the following:
• Choose File > Print Preview.
• On the Standard toolbar, click the Print Preview tool ( ).
• Type ppreview and then press Enter.
3 After checking the preview image, do one of the following:
• To print the drawing, click Print.
• To return to the drawing, click Cancel.
 PRINTING DRAWINGS 445

A B C D

A Click to zoom in. C Click to print the drawing.

B Click to zoom out. If you have zoomed in D Click to close the preview and return to the
several times, click multiple times to restore drawing.
the entire preview image.
446 CHAPTER 14

Printing a drawing
The Print dialog box is organized by tabs into two functional areas: scaling and view-
ing, and advanced printing options. The print setting options available under each tab
were described in the previous sections.

You cannot print a rendered image directly to a printer.

To print a rendered image, you must first save the drawing to a different format and
then print it from another graphics program.

To print a drawing
1 If necessary, click the desired Layout tab or the Model tab.
2 Do one of the following:
• Choose File > Print.
• On the Standard toolbar, click the Print tool ( ).
If you click the Print tool, the Print dialog box does not display. Your drawing
will be sent directly to the selected printer.
• Type print and then press Enter.
3 In Page Setup Name, select the page setup to apply for printing. The print options
in the Print dialog box change to reflect the settings of the selected page setup.
4 Make any necessary adjustments, including for the following options that are
available only at print time (not when setting up a page setup):
• Print to file — Select to print to a file instead of a printer.
• Number of copies — Enter the number of copies to print.
• Print in background — Print in the background of other tasks being performed
by the computer.
• Print stamp on — Select to print with a header and footer. Click [...] to modify
the text of the print stamp.
• Save changes to layout — Select to save the print settings for the model or
layout.
5 Click Print.
 PRINTING DRAWINGS 447

E
D
C

A Select to print to a file instead of a printer. D Select to print with a header and footer. Click [...] to
B Enter the number of copies to print. modify the text of the print stamp.
C Select to save the print settings for the model or E Print in the background of other tasks being
layout. performed by the computer.
448 CHAPTER 14
 15

Drawing in three dimensions

Paper drawings typically represent two-dimensional views of three-dimensional

objects. With IntelliCAD, you can create three-dimensional models of three-dimen-
sional objects.
This section explains how to:
• View entities in three dimensions.
• Create three-dimensional entities.
• Edit entities in three-dimensional space.
• Edit three-dimensional solids.
• Display hidden-line and shaded views of three-dimensional entities.

The tools and commands for many of the functions described in this section appear
on the Draw 3D toolbar and the Insert menu, respectively, when you set the program
to the Advanced experience level.

Topics in this chapter

Viewing entities in three dimensions ................................................................. 450
Creating three-dimensional entities...................................................................454
Editing in three dimensions ............................................................................... 479
Editing three-dimensional solids ....................................................................... 484
Hiding, shading, and rendering ......................................................................... 494
450 CHAPTER 15

Viewing entities in three dimensions

You can view an IntelliCAD drawing from any position in three-dimensional space.
From any selected viewing position, you can add new entities and modify existing
entities. You can also generate hidden-line and shaded views from any viewing posi-
tion.
You view three-dimensional drawings by setting the viewing direction. The viewing
direction establishes the viewing position, the Cartesian coordinate corresponding to
the viewpoint looking back at the origin point, the 0,0,0 coordinate. When you view a
drawing from the default viewpoint (0,0,1), you see a plan view of the drawing.
On the View toolbar, you can view a three-dimensional drawing using any of the fol-
lowing methods:
• Preset Viewpoints ( )
• Dynamic View Control ( )
• Plan View ( )

Setting a new viewing direction

You can change the viewing direction to look at the drawing from a different vantage
point or to work on a three-dimensional model from a different orientation.

To set a new viewing direction

1 Do one of the following:
• On the View toolbar, click the Preset Viewpoints tool ( ).
• Type setvpoint and then press Enter.
2 Click the preset view you want to use.
 DRAWING IN THREE DIMENSIONS 451

A Click to select an isometric viewpoint. B Click to select an orthographic viewpoint.

Setting a viewing direction dynamically

You can dynamically rotate the viewpoint within the xy plane and relative to the xy
plane, and you can pan and zoom the drawing. As you change the viewpoint settings,
the drawing display automatically updates.

To dynamically set a view direction

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose View > Dynamic View Control.
• On the View toolbar, click the Dynamic View Control tool ( ).
• Type viewctl and then press Enter.
2 Make your selections to change the viewpoint.
3 To complete the command, click OK.
452 CHAPTER 15

B H

C G
D F

E
A Select whether the viewing direction is relative to E Enter the angle from the xy-plane.
the World Coordinate System or User F Click to open the Preset Viewpoints dialog box
Coordinate System. and set the viewing direction using predefined
B Displays the current viewing direction settings. settings.
Click to select a new viewing direction. G Click to open the View Control dialog box and set
C Enter the angle from the x-axis. the viewing direction interactively with the
D Click to set the viewing direction to the plan view. drawing.
H Indicates the current viewpoint.
To set a view direction interactively with the drawing
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose View > Dynamic View Control.
• On the View toolbar, click the Dynamic View Control tool ( ).
• Type viewctl and then press Enter.
2 Click Adjust.
3 Make your selections to change the 3D viewing direction within the drawing.
4 Click OK.
5 To complete the command, click OK.
 DRAWING IN THREE DIMENSIONS 453

A
G

E
B D
C

A Indicates the current viewpoint. E Click to zoom in.

B Click to pan the drawing. F Shows the current viewpoint orientation.
C Click to zoom extents. G Click to rotate the view about a predefined axis.
D Click to zoom out. H Type or select the rotation angle increment.

Displaying a plan view of the current drawing

You can set the current viewing direction to the plan view of the current user coordi-
nate system (UCS), a previously saved UCS, or the World Coordinate System
(WCS).

To display a plan view of the current drawing

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose View > Plan View.
• On the View toolbar, click the Plan View tool ( ).
• Type plan and then press Enter.
2 In the prompt box, choose one of the following:
• Current displays the plan view of the current UCS.
• UCS displays the plan view of a saved UCS. The program prompts you for the
name of the UCS.
• World displays the plan view of the WCS.
454 CHAPTER 15

Creating three-dimensional entities

IntelliCAD supports the following types of three-dimensional models:
• Wire-frame models, which consist of lines and curves that define the edges of a
three-dimensional entity. You can create a wire-frame model by drawing lines,
arcs, polylines, and other two-dimensional entities anywhere in three-dimensional
space. Wire-frame models have no surfaces; they always appear as outlines.
Because you must individually draw and position each entity that makes up a
wire-frame model, creating one can be exacting and time-consuming.
• Surface models, which consist of both edges and the surfaces between those
edges. You can create a surface model by applying elevation and thickness to two-
dimensional planar entities or by using specific three-dimensional entity-creation
commands. Surface models consist of individual planes forming a faceted, polyg-
onal mesh.
• 3D solids, which are three-dimensional ACIS entities that consist of faces and
edges. 3D solids appear to have volume and are easier to work with than wire-
frame and surface models. IntelliCAD supports viewing and limited editing of 3D
solids, including moving, rotating and scaling. Additionally, some versions of
IntelliCAD allow you to create and more completely edit 3D solids.

Applying elevation and thickness

By default, the program creates new two-dimensional entities with a zero elevation
and thickness. The easiest way to create a three-dimensional entity is to change the
elevation or thickness property of an existing two-dimensional entity.
The elevation of an entity is its z-coordinate position in relation to the xy plane in
which the entity is drawn. An elevation of 0 indicates that the entity is drawn on the
xy plane of the current UCS. Positive elevations are above this plane; negative eleva-
tions are below it.
 DRAWING IN THREE DIMENSIONS 455

The thickness of an entity is the distance it is extruded above or below its elevation. A
positive thickness extrudes the entity upward in the positive z direction of the entity;
a negative thickness extrudes it downward in the negative z direction. The thickness
is applied uniformly to the entire entity. You can extrude any two-dimensional entity
into a three-dimensional entity by changing the thickness of the entity to a nonzero
value. For example, a circle becomes a cylinder, a line becomes a three-dimensional
plane, and a rectangle becomes a box.

Two-dimensional entities. Two-dimensional entities with thickness added.

You can create three-dimensional entities using any of the following methods:
• Draw two-dimensional entities in three-dimensional space.
• Convert two-dimensional planar entities into three-dimensional entities by apply-
ing elevation and thickness.
• Convert two-dimensional planar entities into three-dimensional entities by revolv-
ing or extruding.
• Create three-dimensional entities such as boxes, cylinders, cones, domes, spheres,
and wedges.

Three-dimensional solids are drawn as true solids with versions of IntelliCAD that support
three-dimensional ACIS solids.
Three-dimensional solids that you can create include: box, cone, cylinder, dish,
dome, pyramid, sphere, torus, and wedge.

You can change the default elevation and thickness values to create new entities with
an elevation and thickness already applied.

To set the current elevation

1 Display the current elevation setting by doing one of the following:
• Choose Format > Elevation.
• On the Format toolbar, click the Elevation tool ( ).
• Type elev and then press Enter.
2 Specify the New Current Value For Elevation, and then press Enter.
456 CHAPTER 15

To set the current thickness

1 Display the current thickness setting by doing one of the following:
• Choose Format > Thickness.
• On the Format toolbar, click the Thickness tool ( ).
• Type thickness and then press Enter.
2 Specify the New Current Value For Thickness, and then press Enter.

To set the current elevation and thickness using a dialog box

1 Display the Drawing Settings dialog box by doing one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Drawing Settings.
• On the Tools toolbar, click the Drawing Settings tool ( ).
• Type settings and then press Enter.
2 Click the 3D Settings tab.
3 In the Change Settings For list, click Surfaces.
4 To change the current thickness, in the Current 3D Thickness box, type a new
thickness value or click the arrows to select a new thickness.
5 To change the current elevation, in the Current 3D Elevation box, type a new ele-
vation value or click the arrows to select a new elevation.
6 Click OK.

A
B

A Type or select the current three-dimensional B Type or select the current three-dimensional
thickness. elevation.
 DRAWING IN THREE DIMENSIONS 457

To change the thickness and elevation of an existing entity

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Modify > Properties.
• On the Modify toolbar, click the Properties tool ( ).
• Type entprop and then press Enter.
2 Select the entity, and then press Enter.
IntelliCAD displays the Properties palette (its exact appearance depends on the
type of entity you select).
3 To change the thickness, in the Thickness box, type a new thickness value or click
the arrows to select the new thickness.
4 To change the elevation, in the Z coordinate box (or some entities have an Eleva-
tion box), type a new elevation value or click the arrows to select the new eleva-
tion.
5 Click OK.

When you change the thickness of an entity, you do not change the entity type.
If you want to extrude an entity and convert it to a three-dimensional solid, use the
Extrude command.

A Type or select the new thickness. B Type or select the new elevation.
458 CHAPTER 15

Creating three-dimensional faces

You can create a three-dimensional face, which consists of a section of a plane in
three-dimensional space. You define a three-dimensional face by specifying the x,y,z
coordinates of three or more corners. After you specify the fourth point, the program
continues to prompt you for additional faces by alternating prompts for the third point
and fourth point to allow you to build a complex three-dimensional entity. Each
three- or four-sided plane is created as a separate three-dimensional face entity.

To create a three-dimensional face

Advanced experience level
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Draw > 3D Meshes > Face.
• On the Draw 3D Meshes toolbar, click the Face tool ( ).
• Type face and then press Enter.
2 Specify the first point of the three-dimensional face.
3 Specify the second, third, and fourth points.
4 Specify the third and fourth points for additional faces.
5 To complete the command, press Enter.

Any or all edges of a three-dimensional face can be invisible to allow you to more accu-
rately model entities with holes in them.
As the program prompts you for the corner points, in the prompt box, choose Invisi-
ble Edge to make the next edge invisible.

An example of a three-dimensional model created using three-dimensional faces.

 DRAWING IN THREE DIMENSIONS 459

Creating rectangular meshes

You can create a three-dimensional rectangular mesh consisting of four-sided poly-
gons. You determine the size of the mesh by specifying the number of vertices along
the primary (M-direction) and secondary (N-direction) mesh axes and then specifying
the coordinates for each vertex.

To create a rectangular mesh

Advanced experience level
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Draw > 3D Meshes > Mesh.
• On the Draw 3D Meshes toolbar, click the Mesh tool ( ).
• Type mesh and then press Enter.
2 Specify the number of vertices along the primary mesh axis.
3 Specify the number of vertices along the secondary mesh axis.
4 Specify the coordinates for each vertex.
Specifying the coordinates for the last vertex completes the mesh and ends the
command.

Although creating rectangular meshes manually can be exacting, they are useful for repre-
senting complex surfaces such as three-dimensional terrain models.
The Mesh tool is most useful when combined with scripts or LISP programs that
mathematically calculate the coordinates of the vertices.

An example of a three-dimensional terrain model created using rectangular meshes.

460 CHAPTER 15

Creating polyface meshes

You can create a polygon mesh consisting of faces connecting three or more vertices.
You first determine the coordinates of each vertex and then define each face by enter-
ing the vertex numbers for all the vertices of that face. As you create each face, you
can control the visibility and color of each edge and assign each edge to specific lay-
ers.

To create a polyface mesh

Advanced experience level
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Draw > 3D Meshes > Polyface Mesh.
• On the Draw 3D Meshes toolbar, click the Polyface Mesh tool ( ).
• Type pface and then press Enter.
2 Specify the coordinates of each vertex.
After each vertex that you specify, the next vertex number is displayed, and you
are prompted for the coordinates of the vertex. Specify the coordinates, and then
press Enter. Continue to specify the coordinates for each numbered vertex.
3 To finish specifying vertex coordinates, press Enter.
4 Specify the vertex numbers that define the first face.
You specify the face by entering the vertex numbers that were defined when you
specified coordinates in step 2. Each face can be composed of three or more num-
bered vertices.
5 To finish defining the first face, press Enter.
6 Specify the next face by entering its vertex numbers.
7 To complete the command, press Enter.

Edges can be made invisible.

Type the vertex number as a negative value.

Creating ruled surface meshes

You can create a ruled surface, which is a three-dimensional polygon mesh that
approximates the surface between two existing entities. You select the two entities
that define the ruled surface. These entities can be arcs, circles, lines, points, or
polylines.
 DRAWING IN THREE DIMENSIONS 461

To create a ruled surface mesh

Advanced experience level
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Draw > 3D Meshes > Ruled Surface.
• On the Draw 3D Meshes toolbar, click the Ruled Surface tool ( ).
• Type rulesurf and then press Enter.
2 Select the first defining entity.
3 Select the second defining entity.

A
B

Select the first (A) and second (B) defining entities. The resulting ruled surface mesh.

The value of the Number of M-Direction Surfaces controls the density of the mesh.
Choose Tools > Drawing Settings, and then click the 3D Settings tab. Under Change
Settings For, select Surfaces. Under Surface Settings, change the Number Of M-
Direction Surfaces value. Or, on the Tools toolbar, use the Drawing Settings tool
( ) to display that dialog box.

Creating extruded surface meshes

You can create an extruded surface, which is a three-dimensional polygon mesh that
approximates the surface generated by extruding a path curve along a direction vec-
tor. You select the two entities that define the path curve and direction vector. The
length of the direction vector determines the distance the path curve is moved along
the direction vector. The extruded entity can be an arc, circle, line, or polyline. You
can choose a line or open polyline as the direction vector. The resulting mesh consists
of a series of parallel polygonal planes running along the specified path.
462 CHAPTER 15

To create an extruded surface mesh

Advanced experience level
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Draw > 3D Meshes > Extruded Surface.
• On the Draw 3D Meshes toolbar, click the Extruded Surface tool ( ).
• Type tabsurf and then press Enter.
2 Select the entity to extrude.
3 Select the extrusion path.

A B

Select the entity to extrude (A) and the extrusion The resulting extruded
path (B). surface mesh.

The value of the Number of M-Direction Surfaces controls the density of the mesh.
Choose Tools > Drawing Settings, and then click the 3D Settings tab. Under Change
Settings For, select Surfaces. Under Surface Settings, change the Number Of M-
Direction Surfaces. Or, on the Tools toolbar, use the Drawing Settings tool ( ) to
display that dialog box.

An extruded mesh is different from an extruded solid.

If you want to extrude an entity and convert it to a three-dimensional solid, use the
Extrude command.

Creating revolved surface meshes

You can create a surface of revolution, which is a three-dimensional polygon mesh
that approximates the surface generated by rotating a two-dimensional profile around
an axis. You select the two entities that define the profile and the axis. You also spec-
ify the starting angle and the number of degrees to revolve the profile.
Revolving the profile 360 degrees creates a closed three-dimensional mesh. The
Number Of M-Direction Surfaces value determines the mesh density (the number of
mesh segments) in the M-direction (around the axis of revolution). The N-Direction
Mesh Density value determines the mesh density (the number of mesh segments) in
the N-direction (along the axis of revolution).
 DRAWING IN THREE DIMENSIONS 463

To create a revolved surface mesh

Advanced experience level
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Draw > 3D Meshes > Revolved Surface.
• On the Draw 3D Meshes toolbar, click the Revolved Surface tool ( ).
• Type revsurf and then press Enter.
2 Select the entity to revolve.
3 Select the entity to be used as the axis of revolution.
4 Specify the starting angle.
5 Specify the number of degrees to revolve the entity.

Select the entity to be revolved (A) and the The resulting revolved surface
axis of revolution (B). mesh.

The values of the Number of M-Direction Surfaces and N-Direction Mesh Density control
the density of the mesh.
Choose Tools > Drawing Settings, and then click the 3D Settings tab. Under Change
Settings For, select Surfaces. Under Surface Settings, change the Number Of M-
Direction Surfaces and N-Direction Mesh Density values. Or on the Tools toolbar,
use the Drawing Settings tool ( ) to display that dialog box.
464 CHAPTER 15

Creating edge-defined Coons surface patch meshes

You can create a surface called a Coons surface patch, a mesh connecting four edges.
You select the entities that define the edges. Edge entities can be arcs, lines, or
polylines. The four edge entities must form a closed loop and share endpoints. A
patch is a bicubic surface (one curve extends in the M-direction and the other in the
N-direction) interpolated between the four adjoining edges. You can select the edges
in any order. The first edge you select determines the M-direction of the mesh.

To create an edge-defined Coons surface patch mesh

Advanced experience level
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Draw > 3D Meshes > Coons Surface.
• On the Draw 3D Meshes toolbar, click the Coons Surface tool ( ).
• Type edgesurf and then press Enter.
2 Select the first edge.
3 Select the second, third, and fourth edges.

B
A

Select the entities to be used as the four The resulting Coons surface patch mesh.
edges (A, B, C, and D).

The values of the Number of M-Direction Surfaces and N-Direction Mesh Density control
the density of the mesh.
Choose Tools > Drawing Settings, and then click the 3D Settings tab. Under Change
Settings For, select Surfaces. Under Surface Settings, change the Number Of M-
Direction Surfaces and N-Direction Mesh Density values. Or on the Tools toolbar,
use the Drawing Settings tool ( ) to display that dialog box.
 DRAWING IN THREE DIMENSIONS 465

Creating boxes
You can create rectangular boxes, or cubes. A box consists of six rectangular surface
planes. The base of the box is always parallel with the xy plane of the current UCS.
You position the box by specifying either a corner or the center of the box. You deter-
mine the size of the box by either specifying a second corner and the height; defining
the box to be a cube and then providing its length; or specifying the length, width, and
height.

To create a box as an ACIS solid

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Draw > 3D Solids > Box.
• On the Draw 3D Solids toolbar, click the Box tool ( ).
• Type box and then press Enter.
2 Specify the first corner of the base.
3 Specify the opposite corner of the base.
4 Specify the height.

To create a box as a 3D mesh

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Draw > 3D Meshes > Box.
• On the Draw 3D Meshes toolbar, click the Box tool ( ).
• Type ai_box and then press enter.
2 Specify the first corner of the base.
3 Specify the opposite corner of the base.
4 Specify the height.

First corner of the base (A), the opposite corner of the base (B), and the height (C).
466 CHAPTER 15

Creating wedges
You can create three-dimensional wedges consisting of five surface planes. The base
of the wedge is always parallel with the xy plane of the current UCS with the sloped
face opposite the first corner. The height is always parallel with the z-axis. You posi-
tion the wedge by specifying either a corner or the center of the wedge. You deter-
mine the size of the wedge by either specifying a second corner and the height;
defining the wedge based on a cube having a given length; or specifying the length,
width, and height.

To create a wedge as an ACIS solid

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Draw > 3D Solids > Wedge.
• On the Draw 3D Solids toolbar, click the Wedge tool ( ).
• Type wedge and then press Enter.
2 Specify the first corner of the base.
3 Specify the opposite corner of the base.
4 Specify the height.

To create a wedge as a 3D mesh

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Draw > 3D Meshes > Wedge.
• On the Draw 3D Meshes toolbar, click the Wedge tool ( ).
• Type ai_wedge and then press Enter.
2 Specify the first corner of the base.
3 Specify the opposite corner of the base.
4 Specify the height.

B
A

First corner of the base (A), the opposite corner of the base (B), and the height (C).
 DRAWING IN THREE DIMENSIONS 467

Creating cones
You can create three-dimensional cones defined by a circular base and tapering to a
point perpendicular to the base. The base of the cone is always parallel with the xy
plane of the current UCS; the height of the cone is always parallel with the z-axis.
You position the cone by specifying the center of the base. You determine the size of
the cone by specifying either the radius or the diameter of the base and the height.

To create a cone as an ACIS solid

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Draw > 3D Solids > Cone.
• On the Draw 3D Solids toolbar, click the Cone tool ( ).
• Type cone and then press Enter.
2 Specify the center of the base of the cone.
3 Specify the radius or diameter.
4 Specify the height.

To create a cone as a 3D mesh

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Draw > 3D Meshes > Cone.
• On the Draw 3D Meshes toolbar, click the Cone tool ( ).
• Type ai_cone and then press Enter.
2 Specify the center of the base of the cone.
3 Specify the radius or diameter.
4 Specify the height.

B
Center of the base (A), the radius of the base (B), and the height (C).
468 CHAPTER 15

Creating pyramids
You can create tetrahedrons (three-sided pyramids) or four-sided pyramids. The sides
of the resulting pyramid can meet at a point (the apex) or can form a three- or four-
edged top. The sides of a four-sided pyramid can also meet along a ridge defined by
two points. The base of the pyramid is always parallel with the xy plane of the current
UCS. You position the pyramid by specifying a corner of the base. You determine the
size of the pyramid by specifying the base points and either the apex, the corners of
the top surface, or the endpoints of the ridge.

To create a tetrahedron as an ACIS solid

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Draw > 3D Solids > Pyramid.
• On the Draw 3D Solids toolbar, click the Pyramid tool ( ).
• Type pyramid and then press Enter.
2 Specify the first point for the base of the pyramid.
3 Specify the second and third points.
4 In the prompt box, choose Tetrahedron.
5 Specify the apex of the tetrahedron.

To create a tetrahedron as a 3D mesh

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Draw > 3D Meshes > Pyramid.
• On the Draw 3D Meshes toolbar, click the Pyramid tool ( ).
• Type ai_pyramid and then press Enter.
2 Specify the first point for the base of the pyramid.
3 Specify the second and third points.
4 In the prompt box, choose Tetrahedron.
5 Specify the apex of the tetrahedron.

A C

The first point (A), second point (B), and third point (C) of the base, and the apex (D).
 DRAWING IN THREE DIMENSIONS 469

To create a pyramid with a planar top as an ACIS solid

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Draw > 3D Solids > Pyramid.
• On the Draw 3D Solids toolbar, click the Pyramid tool ( ).
• Type pyramid and then press Enter.
2 Specify the first point for the base of the pyramid.
3 Specify the second, third, and fourth points.
4 In the prompt box, choose Top Surface.
5 Specify the first point on the top surface of the pyramid.
6 Specify the second, third, and fourth points.

To create a pyramid with a planar top as a 3D mesh

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Draw > 3D Meshes > Pyramid.
• On the Draw 3D Meshes toolbar, click the Pyramid tool ( ).
• Type ai_pyramid and then press Enter.
2 Specify the first point for the base of the pyramid.
3 Specify the second, third, and fourth points.
4 In the prompt box, choose Top Surface.
5 Specify the first point on the top surface of the pyramid.
6 Specify the second, third, and fourth points.
.

H
E
G
F

D
A
C

The first point (A), second point (B), third point (C), and fourth point (D) of the base, and the first point (E),
second point (F), third point (G), and fourth point (H) of the top surface.
470 CHAPTER 15

Creating cylinders
You can create cylinders defined by a circular base. The base of a cylinder is always
parallel with the xy plane of the current UCS; the height of a cylinder is always paral-
lel with the z-axis. You position a cylinder by specifying the center of the base. You
determine the size of a cylinder by specifying either the radius or diameter of the base
and the height.

To create a cylinder as an ACIS solid

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Draw > 3D Solids > Cylinder.
• On the Draw 3D Solids toolbar, click the Cylinder tool ( ).
• Type cylinder and then press Enter.
2 Specify the center of the base of the cylinder.
3 Specify the radius or diameter.
4 Specify the height.

To create a cylinder as a 3D mesh

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Draw > 3D Meshes > Cylinder.
• On the Draw 3D Meshes toolbar, click the Cylinder tool ( ).
• Type ai_cylinder and then press Enter.
2 Specify the center of the base of the cylinder.
3 Specify the radius or diameter.
4 Specify the height.

Center of the base (A), radius of the base (B), and the height (C).

Creating spheres
You can create spheres. The latitude lines of a sphere are always parallel with the xy
plane of the current UCS; the central axis is always parallel with the z-axis. You posi-
tion a sphere by specifying its center point. You determine the size of a sphere by
specifying either its radius or its diameter.
 DRAWING IN THREE DIMENSIONS 471

To create a sphere as an ACIS solid

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Draw > 3D Solids > Sphere.
• On the Draw 3D Solids toolbar, click the Sphere tool ( ).
• Type sphere and then press Enter.
2 Specify the center of the sphere.
3 Specify the radius or diameter.

To create a sphere as a 3D mesh

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Draw > 3D Meshes > Sphere.
• On the Draw 3D Meshes toolbar, click the Sphere tool ( ).
• Type ai_sphere and then press Enter.
2 Specify the center of the sphere.
3 Specify the radius or diameter.
4 Specify the number of longitudinal sections that are perpendicular to the xy plane.
5 Specify the number of latitudinal sections that are parallel to the xy plane.

Center (A) and radius (B) of the sphere. The resulting sphere.
472 CHAPTER 15

Creating dishes
You can create a three-dimensional dish. The latitude lines of a dish are always paral-
lel with the xy plane of the current UCS; the central axis is always parallel with the z-
axis. You position a dish by specifying its center point. You determine the size of a
dish by specifying either its radius or its diameter.

To create a dish as an ACIS solid

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Draw > 3D Solids > Dish.
• On the Draw 3D Solids toolbar, click the Dish tool ( ).
• Type dish and then press Enter.
2 Specify the center of the dish.
3 Specify the radius or diameter.

To create a dish as a 3D mesh

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Draw > 3D Meshes > Dish.
• On the Draw 3D Meshes toolbar, click the Dish tool ( ).
• Type ai_dish and then press Enter.
2 Specify the center of the dish.
3 Specify the radius or diameter.
.

Center (A) and radius (B) of the dish.

 DRAWING IN THREE DIMENSIONS 473

Creating domes
You can create a three-dimensional dome. The latitude lines of a dome are always
parallel with the xy plane of the current UCS; the central axis is always parallel with
the z-axis. You position a dome by specifying its center point. You determine the size
of a dome by specifying either its radius or its diameter.

To create a dome as an ACIS solid

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Draw > 3D Solids > Dome.
• On the Draw 3D Solids toolbar, click the Dome tool ( ).
• Type dome and then press Enter.
2 Specify the center of the dome.
3 Specify the radius or diameter.

To create a dome as a 3D mesh

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Draw > 3D Meshes > Dome.
• On the Draw 3D Meshes toolbar, click the Dome tool ( ).
• Type ai_dome and then press Enter.
2 Specify the center of the dome.
3 Specify the radius or diameter.

Center (A) and radius (B) of the dome.

474 CHAPTER 15

Creating tori
You can create a three-dimensional donut or ring-shaped entity known as a torus. The
diameter of a ring is always parallel with the xy plane of the current UCS. A torus is
constructed by revolving a circle about a line drawn in the plane of the circle and par-
allel with the z-axis of the current UCS. You position a torus by specifying its center
point. You determine the size of a torus by specifying its overall diameter or radius
and the diameter or radius of the tube (the circle being revolved).

To create a torus as an ACIS solid

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Draw > 3D Solids > Torus.
• On the Draw 3D Solids toolbar, click the Torus tool ( ).
• Type torus and then press Enter.
2 Specify the center of the whole torus.
3 Specify the radius or diameter of the whole torus.
4 Specify the radius or diameter of the body of the torus.

To create a torus as a 3D mesh

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Draw > 3D Meshes > Torus.
• On the Draw 3D Meshes toolbar, click the Torus tool ( ).
• Type ai_torus and then press Enter.
2 Specify the center of the whole torus.
3 Specify the radius or diameter of the whole torus.
4 Specify the radius or diameter of the body of the torus.
5 Specify the number of longitudinal sections that are perpendicular to the xy plane.
6 Specify the number of latitudinal sections that are parallel to the xy plane.

B C

Center (A) and radius of the whole torus (B), and the radius of the body (C).
 DRAWING IN THREE DIMENSIONS 475

Creating regions
You can convert a closed entity into a two-dimensional region. After you create a
region, you can modify it using the various three-dimensional tools. For example, you
can create a region from a square, and then extrude the square to create a three-
dimensional cube.
You can create regions from closed entities, such as polylines, polygons, circles,
ellipses, closed splines, and donuts.
Creating regions typically has no visible effect on a drawing. However, if the original
entity had a width or lineweight, that information is lost when you create the region.

To create a region
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Draw > 3D Solids > Region.
• On the Draw 3D Solids toolbar, click the Region tool ( ).
• Type region and then press Enter.
2 Select the entities to create the region.
3 Press Enter.
The command bar displays a message that describes how many regions were cre-
ated.

Creating extruded solids

You can create three-dimensional solids by extruding closed entities, such as
polylines, polygons, circles, ellipses, closed splines, donuts, and regions. You can
extrude the entity along a selected path, or you can specify its height and taper angle.

To create an extruded solid

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Draw > 3D Solids > Extrude.
• On the Draw 3D Solids toolbar, click the Extrude tool ( ).
• Type extrude and then press Enter.
2 Select the entity to extrude.
3 Select the extrusion path, or specify the height.
476 CHAPTER 15

A B

Select the entity to extrude (A) and the extrusion The resulting extruded
path (B). solid.

Creating revolved solids

You can create three-dimensional solids by revolving closed entities, such as
polylines, polygons, circles, ellipses, and regions. You can revolve the entity about a
defined axis, line, polyline, or two points.

To create a revolved solid

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Draw > 3D Solids > Revolve.
• On the Draw 3D Solids toolbar, click the Revolve tool ( ).
• Type revolve and then press Enter.
2 Select the entity to revolve.
3 Do one of the following to define the axis of revolution:
• Specify a start point and an end point.
• Type o and press Enter to select an entity that determines the axis.
• Type x and press Enter to select the x-axis.
• Type y and press Enter to select the y-axis.
4 Specify the angle of revolution.

Select the entity to revolve (A) and the axis (B) The resulting revolved
about which to revolve it., followed by the angle of solid.
revolution.
 DRAWING IN THREE DIMENSIONS 477

Creating composite solids

You can create composite three-dimensional solids by combining, subtracting, and
finding the intersection of two or more solids.

To combine solids
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Modify > Solids Editing > Union.
• On the Solids Editing toolbar, click the Union tool ( ).
• Type union and then press Enter.
2 Select the entities to combine.

Select the entities to combine (A and B). The resulting combined

solid.
To subtract solids
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Modify > Solids Editing > Subtract.
• On the Solids Editing toolbar, click the Subtract tool ( ).
• Type subtract and then press Enter.
2 Select the entities to subtract from one another.

Select the entities to subtract (A and B). The resulting solid.

478 CHAPTER 15

To intersect solids
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Modify > Solids Editing > Intersect.
• On the Solids Editing toolbar, click the Intersect tool ( ).
• Type intersect and then press Enter.
2 Select the entities to intersect.

Select the entities to combine (A and B). The resulting combined

solid.
 DRAWING IN THREE DIMENSIONS 479

Editing in three dimensions

You can copy, move, rotate, array, mirror, and align two-dimensional and three-
dimensional entities in both two-dimensional and three-dimensional space. You can
also change and edit properties of three-dimensional entities much like you change
and edit properties for two-dimensional entities. When you modify three-dimensional
entities in two-dimensional space, you modify the entity in relation to the current
UCS.

Rotating in three dimensions

You can rotate selected entities about a specified axis in three-dimensional space.
You select the entities to rotate and then define the axis of rotation either by specify-
ing two points; selecting an existing entity; aligning the axis with the x-, y-, or z-axis
of the current UCS; or aligning the axis with the current view.

To rotate an entity about an axis in three dimensions

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Modify > 3D Rotate.
• On the Modify toolbar, click the 3D Rotate tool ( ).
• Type rotate3D and then press Enter.
2 Select the entities to rotate, and then press Enter.
3 Choose from one of the following options: Entity, Last, View, Xaxis, Yaxis,
Zaxis.
4 Specify the rotation angle.
5 Specify the reference angle.

A
C
D

Select the entities to rotate (A), specify the Result after rotating the entities.
endpoints of the axis of rotation (B and C), and then
specify the rotation angle (D).
480 CHAPTER 15

Arraying in three dimensions

You can copy selected entities and arrange them in a three-dimensional rectangular or
polar (circular) pattern. For a rectangular array, you control the number of copies in
the array by specifying the number of rows and columns and the number of levels.
You also specify the distance between each. For a polar array, you specify the axis
around which to array the entities, the number of copies of the entities to create, and
the angle subtended by the resulting array.

To create a three-dimensional rectangular array

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Modify > 3D Array.
• On the Modify toolbar, click the 3D Array tool ( ).
• Type 3Darray and then press Enter.
2 Select the entities, and then press Enter.
3 In the prompt box, choose Rectangular.
4 Type the number of rows in the array.
5 Type the number of columns.
6 Type the number of levels.
7 Specify the vertical distance between the rows.
8 Specify the horizontal distance between the columns.
9 Specify the depth between the levels.

B A
C

To create a three-dimensional rectangular array, select the entity to copy (A), type the number of rows,
columns, and levels, and then specify the distance between each row (B), column (C), and level (D).
 DRAWING IN THREE DIMENSIONS 481

To create a three-dimensional polar array

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Modify > 3D Array.
• On the Modify toolbar, click the 3D Array tool ( ).
• Type 3Darray and then press Enter.
2 Select the entities, and then press Enter.
3 In the prompt box, choose Polar.
4 Type the number of copies to make, including the original selection set.
5 Specify the angle the array is to fill, from 0 to 360 degrees.
The default setting for the angle is 360 degrees. Positive values create the array in
a counterclockwise direction; negative values create the array in a clockwise
direction.
6 In the prompt box, choose one of the following:
• Yes-Rotate Entities to rotate entities as they are arrayed.
• No-Do Not Rotate to retain the original orientation of each copy as it is arrayed.
7 Specify the center point of the array.
8 Specify a second point along the central axis of the array.

B
A

To create a three-dimensional polar array, select the entity to copy (A), type the number of copies to make,
specify the angle the array is to fill (B), and then specify the center point of the array (C) and a second point
along the central axis of the array (D).
482 CHAPTER 15

Mirroring in three dimensions

You can create a mirror image of selected entities in three-dimensional space. You
mirror the entities about a mirror plane that you define by either specifying three
points; selecting an existing two-dimensional planar entity; aligning the plane parallel
with the xy, yz, or xz plane of the current UCS; or aligning the plane with the current
view. You can delete or retain the original entities.

To mirror an entity about a three-dimensional plane

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Modify > 3D Mirror.
• On the Modify toolbar, click the 3D Mirror tool ( ).
• Type mirror3D and then press Enter.
2 Select the entities, and then press Enter.
3 In the prompt box, choose 3 Points, or press Enter to select the default.
4 Specify the first point on the mirror plane.
5 Specify the second and third points on the plane.
6 In the prompt box, choose one of the following:
• Yes-Delete Entities to delete the original entities.
• No-Keep Entities to retain the original entities.

D C
A

Select the entity to mirror (A), and then specify The resulting mirrored entity.
the first point (B), second point (C), and third
point (D) defining the mirror plane.
 DRAWING IN THREE DIMENSIONS 483

Aligning in three dimensions

You can align selected entities with other entities in three-dimensional space. You
select the entities you want to align, and specify one, two or three pairs of points to
align the selected entities.

To align an entity an entity with another

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Modify > Align.
• On the Modify toolbar, click the Align tool ( ).
• Type align and then press Enter.
2 Select the entities, and then press Enter.
3 Specify the first source point.
4 Specify the first destination point
5 Specify additional source and destination points if desired (up to three pairs).

C D

Select the entities to align, and then specify the The resulting mirrored entity.
first source point (A), the first destination point
(B), the second destination point (C), and the
second destination point (D). You can specify up
to three pairs of source/destination points.
484 CHAPTER 15

Editing three-dimensional solids

You can edit three-dimensional solids in several unique ways, including: chamfer, fil-
let, section, and slice. You can also modify individual faces and edges of solids, as
well as imprint, separate, shell, and check solids.
You can edit three-dimensional ACIS solids, including: boxes, cones, cylinders,
dishes, domes, pyramids, spheres, tori, and wedges.

Chamfering and filleting solids

You can chamfer or fillet a three-dimensional solid much like you chamfer or fillet a
two-dimensional entity.

To chamfer a solid
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Modify > Chamfer.
• On the Modify toolbar, click the Chamfer tool ( ).
• Type chamfer and then press Enter.
2 Select the edge of the base surface to chamfer. (One of two surfaces adjacent to
the selected edge will be highlighted.)
3 Do one of the following:
• To select a different surface, type n and press Enter.
• To use the current surface, press Enter.
4 Specify the base surface distance (measured from the selected edge to the base
surface).
5 Specify the adjacent surface distance (measured from the selected edge to the
adjacent surface).
6 Do one of the following:
• Specify the edges to chamfer.
• To select all edges around the base surface, type l and press Enter.
To fillet a solid
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Modify > Fillet.
• On the Modify toolbar, click the Fillet tool ( ).
• Type fillet and then press Enter.
2 Select the edge of the solid to fillet.
3 Specify the fillet radius.
4 Select additional edges to fillet, and press Enter to fillet.
 DRAWING IN THREE DIMENSIONS 485

Sectioning and slicing solids

You can section or slice a three-dimensional solid, region, or body (typically a sheet).
When you section a solid, you obtain an “inside view” by creating a cross-section
through the solid as a region or block. When you section a region or body, the result-
ing intersections are curves.
When you slice a solid, region, or body, you create a new entity by cutting the origi-
nal entity and removing a specific side.

To section an entity
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Draw > 3D Solids > Section.
• On the Draw 3D Solids toolbar, click the Section tool ( ).
• Type section and then press Enter.
2 Select the entities to cross-section.
3 Do one of the following:
• Specify three points to define the cross-section plane. (The first point defines the
origin, while the second point defines the x-axis and the third point defines the
y-axis.)
• Type o and press Enter to select an entity that defines the cross-sectional plane.
• Specify an axis by typing the appropriate letter and pressing Enter.
To slice an entity
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Draw > 3D Solids > Slice.
• On the Draw 3D Solids toolbar, click the Slice tool ( ).
• Type slice and then press Enter.
2 Select the entities to slice.
3 Do one of the following:
• Specify three points to define the cross-section plane. (The first point defines the
origin, while the second point defines the x-axis and the third point defines the
y-axis.)
• Type o and press Enter to select an entity that defines the cross-sectional plane.
• Specify an axis by typing the appropriate letter and pressing Enter.
4 Specify which side to retain, or type b to retain both sides.
486 CHAPTER 15

Modifying faces
You can edit three-dimension solids by extruding, moving, rotating, offsetting, taper-
ing, deleting, or copying individual faces. You can also change the color of individual
faces.

Extruding solid faces

To extrude a solid face
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Modify > Solids Editing > Extrude Face.
• On the Solids Editing toolbar, click the Extrude Face tool ( ).
2 Select the entity with the face you want to extrude.
3 Select the face(s) to extrude, and press Enter.
4 Do one of the following:
• Specify the height of extrusion.
• Type p and press Enter to select a path for extrusion.
5 If you specified a height, specify a taper angle.

Select the entity to extrude, and then specify the The resulting entity with the face extruded to
face(s) to extrude (A), and the height of position (B).
extrusion or path.
 DRAWING IN THREE DIMENSIONS 487

Moving solid faces

To move a solid face
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Modify > Solids Editing > Move Face.
• On the Solids Editing toolbar, click the Move Face tool ( ).
2 Select the entity with the face you want to move.
3 Select the face(s) to move, and press Enter.
4 Specify a base point.
5 Specify an end point.

A B

Select the entity, and then specify the The resulting entity with the face moved
face(s) to move (A), the base point (B), to the new position.
and the end point (C).

Rotating solid faces

To rotate a solid face
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Modify > Solids Editing > Rotate Face.
• On the Solids Editing toolbar, click the Rotate Face tool ( ).
2 Select the entity with the face you want to rotate.
3 Select the face(s) to rotate, and press Enter.
4 Specify a base point.
5 Specify another point on the rotation axis.
6 Specify the rotation angle.
488 CHAPTER 15

Select the entity, and then specify the face(s) to The resulting entity with the face rotated to position
rotate (A), the base point (B), a second point on (D).
the rotation axis (C), and a rotation angle.

Offsetting solid faces

To offset a solid face
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Modify > Solids Editing > Offset Face.
• On the Solids Editing toolbar, click the Offset Face tool ( ).
2 Select the entity with the face you want to offset.
3 Select the face(s) to offset, and press Enter.
4 Specify an offset distance.

Select the entity, and then specify the face(s) to The resulting entity with the face offset to position
offset (A) and the distance to offset. (B).
 DRAWING IN THREE DIMENSIONS 489

Tapering solid faces

To taper a solid face
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Modify > Solids Editing > Taper Faces.
• On the Solids Editing toolbar, click the Taper Face tool ( ).
2 Select the entity with the face you want to taper.
3 Select the face(s) to taper, and press Enter.
4 Specify a base point.
5 Specify another point along the axis.
6 Specify a taper angle.

Select the entity, and then specify the face(s) to The resulting entity with the face tapered to position
taper (A), a base point, a second point along the (D).
taper axis, and a taper angle.

Deleting solid faces

To delete a solid face
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Modify > Solids Editing > Delete Face.
• On the Solids Editing toolbar, click the Delete Face tool ( ).
2 Select the entity with the face you want to delete.
3 Select the face(s) to delete, and press Enter.
490 CHAPTER 15

Select the entity, and then specify the face(s) to The resulting entity with the face deleted.
delete (A).

Copying solid faces

To copy a solid face
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Modify > Solids Editing > Copy Face.
• On the Solids Editing toolbar, click the Copy Face tool ( ).
2 Select the entity with the face you want to copy.
3 Select the face(s) to copy, and press Enter.
4 Specify a base point.
5 Specify an end point.

Select the entity, and then specify the face(s) to The resulting entity with the face copied.
copy (A), the base point (B), and the end point
(C).
 DRAWING IN THREE DIMENSIONS 491

Coloring solid faces

To color a face
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Modify > Solids Editing > Color Face.
• On the Solids Editing toolbar, click the Color Face tool ( ).
2 Select the entity with the face you want to color.
3 Select the face(s) to color, and press Enter.
4 Specify a color.

Select the entity, and then specify the face(s) to The resulting entity with the face colored.
color (A).

Modifying edges
In addition to modifying faces of solids, you can modify individual edges. You can
copy individual edges or change the color of individual edges.

To copy an edge
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Modify > Solids Editing > Copy Edge.
• On the Solids Editing toolbar, click the Copy Edge tool ( ).
2 Select the entity with the edge you want to copy.
3 Select the edge(s) to copy, and press Enter.
4 Specify a base point.
5 Specify an end point.
492 CHAPTER 15

Select the entity, and then specify the edge(s) to The resulting entity with the edge copied.
copy (A), the base point (B), and the end point
(C).
To color an edge
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Modify > Solids Editing > Color Edge.
• On the Solids Editing toolbar, click the Color Edge tool ( ).
2 Select the entity with the edge you want to color.
3 Select the edge(s) to color, and press Enter.
4 Specify a color.

Imprinting solids
You can modify the face of a solid by imprinting another entity on it. For example,
you can imprint a line, arc, or polyline onto the face of a box.

To imprint a solid entity

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Modify > Solids Editing > Imprint.
• On the Solids Editing toolbar, click the Imprint tool ( ).
2 Select the solid entity you want to imprint.
3 Select the entity you want to imprint on the solid.

Separating solids
You can separate solids that have been combined. After you separate them, they are
separated into individual solids.
 DRAWING IN THREE DIMENSIONS 493

To separate solids
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Modify > Solids Editing > Separate.
• On the Solids Editing toolbar, click the Separate tool ( ).
2 Select the solid you want to separate.

Shelling solids
You can create a shell or a hollow thin wall from your 3D solid entity. IntelliCAD
offsets existing faces to create new faces.

To shell a solid
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Modify > Solids Editing > Shell.
• On the Solids Editing toolbar, click the Shell tool ( ).
2 Select the entity you want to shell.
3 Remove any faces you don’t want to include.
4 Specify an offset distance.

Select the entity, and then select faces to The resulting shelled entity.
remove (A) and (B), then specify an offset
distance.

Cleaning solids
You can remove redundant edges or vertices from solids when they are not needed.

To clean a solid
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Modify > Solids Editing > Clean.
• On the Solids Editing toolbar, click the Clean tool ( ).
2 Select the entity you want to clean.
494 CHAPTER 15

Checking solids
You can check whether a selected entity is a valid three dimensional ACIS solid. If it
is a valid 3D solid, you can modify the entity using the 3D solid editing commands; if
not, you cannot edit the entity using these commands.

To check a solid
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Modify > Solids Editing > Check.
• On the Solids Editing toolbar, click the Check tool ( ).
2 Select the entities to check.

Converting solids to polyface meshes

You can convert three-dimensional solids to polyface meshes using the 3DConvert
command.

To convert a solid
1 Type 3dconvert and press Enter.
2 Select the entities you want to convert.

Hiding, shading, and rendering

As you create three-dimensional entities, the program displays both wire-frame and
surface models in wire-frame view, which makes it difficult to visualize your three-
dimensional models. To better visualize the model, you can remove all the lines that
are hidden behind other entities or surfaces when seen from the current viewpoint.
Shading goes a step further by removing hidden lines and then assigning flat colors to
the visible surfaces, making them appear solid. Shaded images are useful when you
want to quickly visualize your model as a solid entity, though they lack depth and
definition.
Rendering provides an even more realistic image of your model, complete with light
sources, shadows, surface material properties, and reflections, giving your model a
photo-realistic look. As shown in the following illustrations, when you render a
model, the program removes hidden lines and then shades the surfaces as though they
were illuminated from imaginary light sources.
 DRAWING IN THREE DIMENSIONS 495

Wire-frame model. Hidden-line image. Shaded image. Rendered image.

Creating hidden-line images

Creating a hidden-line view of your drawing removes all the lines that are hidden
behind other surfaces when seen from your vantage point. When you remove hidden
lines or shade a model, the program treats the entities differently, depending on how
you created them. Wire-frame models always appear transparent, because they have
no surfaces. Surface models appear filled, with surfaces applied to all visible sides.

To create a hidden-line image

• Type hide and then press Enter.

Use a visual style.

Choosing View > Visual Styles > 3D Hidden is similar to using the Hide command.
For more details, see “Displaying a drawing with a visual style” on page 152.

Before creating a hidden-line image. After removing hidden lines.

Creating shaded images

Creating a shaded image of your drawing removes hidden lines and then applies
shading to the visible surfaces based on their entity color. Because they are intended
to provide a quick visualization, shaded images do not have a light source and use
continuous colors across surfaces, causing them to appear flat and unrealistic.

To create a shaded image

• Type shade and then press Enter.
To control the appearance of the shaded image, choose Tools > Drawing Settings,
and then click the 3D Settings tab and select the options you want. You can shade the
surfaces and edges of the model in four ways:
496 CHAPTER 15

• Faces shaded; edges not highlighted.

• Faces shaded; edges highlighted in the background color.
• Faces filled in the background color; edges drawn using the entity color (similar to
a hidden-line view).
• Faces filled using the entity color; edges highlighted in the background color.

Use a visual style.

Choosing View > Visual Styles > 3D Realistic is similar to using the Shade com-
mand. For more details, see “Displaying a drawing with a visual style” on page 152.

Creating rendered images

Creating a rendered image of your drawing removes hidden lines and then shades the
surface as though it were illuminated from multiple light sources.
Full rendering creates a photo-realistic image of your model, complete with light
sources, shadows, surface material properties, and reflections. You can illuminate
your image with spotlights, distant lighting to simulate sunshine, and ambient light. If
you choose not to customize the light sources, the program generates default light
sources for you.
Rays from these imaginary light sources are traced as they reflect off and refract
through the surfaces of the model, a process called ray tracing. Ray tracing deter-
mines where shadows fall and how reflections on shiny materials such as metal and
glass appear. You can modify the reflective properties of the materials that make up
your model to control how the light rays reflect off its surfaces.
Full rendering automatically creates a base on which your model is displayed, if you
don’t already have one, so it does not appear suspended in space. A background is
also automatically added to the image. A background such as a cloudy sky or an
imported raster graphic such as a stone wall can also be added behind the image,
making it even more realistic.

To create a quickly rendered image

Do one of the following:
• Choose View > Rendering > Render.
• On the Rendering toolbar, click the Render tool ( ).
• Type render and then press Enter.
To create a fully rendered image
Do one of the following:
• Choose View > Rendering > Full Render.
• On the Rendering toolbar, click the Full Render tool ( ).
• Type fullrender and then press Enter.
 DRAWING IN THREE DIMENSIONS 497

Fully rendered image.

Creating custom rendered images

IntelliCAD allows you to create custom rendered images by applying materials,
backgrounds, and lighting (including shadows) to your drawing:
• Materials Specify materials for different surfaces and define how the materials
map to those surfaces. Predefined materials are available in the materials library,
which can be customized further using the built-in editor. You can choose to use
procedural or bitmap materials.
• Backgrounds Specify the background or backdrop for a rendered image. Several
predefined backgrounds are available. By default, no background is used and it
appears black. The background is an infinite, planar surface and reflects off of any
reflective surfaces in your model. The background is not affected by lighting how-
ever, so no shadows or highlights are seen on the background.
• Lighting Specify the placement of lights, light color, and light intensity to deter-
mine how your drawing or scene is lit, including shadows and reflections in the
scene. Lights can be placed either outside the field of view or inside to illuminate
different areas of the scene. Several predefined lighting controls are available,
including ambient lighting, diffuse lighting, specular reflections, specular high-
lights, and transparency.
498 CHAPTER 15

To apply materials, backgrounds, and lighting

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose View > Rendering, and then choose Materials, Backgrounds, or
Lighting.
• On the Rendering toolbar, click the Materials tool ( ), Backgrounds ( ),
or Lighting tool ( ).
• Type materials, backgrounds, or lighting and then press Enter.
2 Make your selections.

You can specify additional rendering options.

Choose View > Rendering > Render Settings. For more information about creating
custom rendered images, click Help in any of the Render dialog boxes.

Printing a rendered image

You cannot print a rendered image directly to a printer. Instead, you must first save
the drawing to a different format — either a bitmap (.bmp), JPEG (.jpg), TIFF (.tif),
TrueVision TGA (.tga), or Portable Network Graphic (.png). After you save a
rendered image, you can print it from another graphics program.
To save a rendered image of your drawing
1 Create a rendered image of the drawing.
2 Do one of the following:
• Choose View > Rendering > Render Settings.
• On the Rendering toolbar, click the Render Settings tool ( ).
• Type setrender and then press Enter.
3 On the Rendering tab, click Save Last Image.
4 Enter a file name and path.
5 In Save As Type, choose the file format.
6 Click Save.
 16

Working with other programs

IntelliCAD offers great flexibility in its capability to be used with other programs.
You can include an IntelliCAD drawing in a Microsoft® Word document or insert a
Microsoft® Excel spreadsheet containing a parts list into an IntelliCAD drawing. To
include IntelliCAD drawings in other programs and documents from other programs
in IntelliCAD drawings, you either link or embed them. You can also save Intelli-
CAD drawings in other file formats that can be used directly with other programs or
send IntelliCAD drawings to coworkers via e-mail.
This section explains how to:
• Save and view snapshots.
• Use object linking and embedding.
• Export IntelliCAD drawings to other file formats.
• Send drawing files via e-mail.
• Use IntelliCAD with the Internet.

Topics in this chapter

Saving and viewing snapshots ......................................................................... 500
Using data from other programs in IntelliCAD drawings ................................... 501
Using IntelliCAD data in other programs .......................................................... 508
Using IntelliCAD with the Internet..................................................................... 516
500 CHAPTER 16

Saving and viewing snapshots

You can save snapshots of a drawing to view later. A snapshot saves the current
drawing in either *.emf, *.wmf, or *.sld format exactly as it appears on the screen. A
snapshot is not a drawing file. You cannot edit or print the snapshot; you can only
view it.
You can use snapshots in the following ways:
• Make presentations by showing snapshots of your drawings.
• Reference a snapshot of a drawing while working on a different drawing.
• Present a number of snapshots as a slide show by using scripts.
When you view a snapshot, it temporarily replaces the current drawing. When you
refresh the display of the current drawing (by redrawing, panning, zooming, minimiz-
ing, maximizing, or tiling), the snapshot image disappears, and you are returned to
the current drawing.

Creating snapshots
You create a snapshot by saving the current view as a snapshot. A snapshot does not
include any entities on layers that are not currently visible. The contents of the snap-
shot also depend on the current drawing space. In model space, the snapshot shows
only the current viewport. In paper space, the snapshot contains all visible viewports.

To create a snapshot
1 Display the drawing exactly as you want to capture it as a snapshot.
• Choose Tools > Make Snapshot.
• On the Tools toolbar, click the Make Snapshot tool ( ).
• Type msnapshot and then press Enter.
2 In the Create Snapshot dialog box, specify the name of the snapshot file you want
to create.
3 From the Files Of Types list, choose either *.emf, *.wmf, or *.sld.
4 Click Save.

The current drawing remains on the screen, and the snapshot is saved to the directory
that you specify.

Viewing snapshots
You can view previously saved snapshots, and you can also view snapshots created
using AutoCAD.
 WORKING WITH OTHER PROGRAMS 501

To view a snapshot
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > View Snapshot.
• On the Tools toolbar, click the View Snapshot tool ( ).
• Type vsnapshot and then press Enter.
2 In the View Snapshot dialog box, specify the name of the snapshot file you want
to view.
3 Click Open.
IntelliCAD displays the snapshot in the current drawing window.

Using data from other programs in IntelliCAD drawings

You can include data from other programs in IntelliCAD drawings by using either
embedding or linking. The method you choose depends on the type of object or file
you want to include in your IntelliCAD drawing and what you want to do with it after
it is there.

Embedding objects into drawings

Embed an object into your IntelliCAD drawing when you want to keep all the data
you work with in one file or if you want to transfer the file to other computers. You
can embed data from programs that support object linking and embedding.
For example, if you want to distribute data about a department’s computer equipment
along with an IntelliCAD drawing of the department’s floor plan, you can embed a
Microsoft® Excel spreadsheet into the floor plan.
When you embed data from another program, IntelliCAD becomes the container for
that data. The object embedded in the IntelliCAD drawing becomes part of the
IntelliCAD file. When you edit the data, you open its program from within the
IntelliCAD drawing.
Any changes you make to the embedded data exist only in the IntelliCAD drawing, so
it is not necessary to keep that data in a separate file. If the data does exist in a sepa-
rate file, the original file does not change when you modify the embedded object in
IntelliCAD. Also, changes to the original file do not affect the embedded object in the
IntelliCAD drawing.
502 CHAPTER 16

To embed another program’s object into an IntelliCAD drawing

1 Open the file that contains the data you want.
2 In the file, select the data you want to embed in the IntelliCAD drawing.
3 Choose that program’s command to place data on the Clipboard.
Usually, you choose Edit > Copy.
4 In the IntelliCAD window, display the drawing in which you want to embed the
object.
5 Choose Edit > Paste, or click the Paste tool ( ) on the Standard toolbar.
The data on the Clipboard is pasted into the drawing as an embedded object. The
object appears in the center of the view, but you can select and move it by moving
the cursor.

To embed an object from an existing file within IntelliCAD

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Insert > Object.
• Type insertobj and then press Enter.
2 In the Insert Object dialog box, click Create From File.
3 Specify the file by doing one of the following:
• Type a path and file name in the File box.
• Click Browse to select a file.
4 Select Display As Icon if you want that program’s icon to appear in the drawing
instead of the data.
5 Click OK.
The first page of the file appears in the IntelliCAD drawing, unless you chose to
display it as an icon. You can select the object and drag to reposition it.

To create a new embedded object from within IntelliCAD

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Insert > Object.
• Type insertobj and then press Enter.
2 In the Insert Object dialog box, click Create New.
3 From the Object Type list, select the type of object you want to create, and then
click OK.
The program for creating that object opens within IntelliCAD. If the program is
compatible with ActiveX, it opens in place (within the other program) in the
IntelliCAD drawing; otherwise, the program opens in its full window.
 WORKING WITH OTHER PROGRAMS 503

4 Create the object in the other program.

5 If the program is running within the other document (in place), click anywhere
outside the embedded object to close the program.
If the program is running in its full window, choose File > Exit.

Linking objects to drawings

If another program supports ActiveX, you can link its data to IntelliCAD drawings.
Use linking when you want to include the same data in many files. When you update
the data, all links to other files reflect the changes.
For example, if you created your company logo in an ActiveX-compatible drawing
program, and you want to include it in the title block of every drawing you create
with IntelliCAD, you can link it to each IntelliCAD drawing. When you change the
original logo in the drawing program, the IntelliCAD drawing updates automatically.
When you link data from another program, the IntelliCAD drawing stores only a ref-
erence to the location of the file in which you created the data. You link data from a
saved file, so IntelliCAD can find the data and display it.
Because linking adds only a reference to a file, the data does not significantly
increase the file size of the IntelliCAD drawing. However, links require some mainte-
nance. If you move any of the linked files, you need to update the links. In addition, if
you want to transport linked data, you must include all linked files.
You can update a linked object automatically every time you open the drawing, or
you can do so only when you specify. Anytime a link is updated, changes made to the
object in its original file also appear in the IntelliCAD drawing, and the changes also
appear in the original file if they were made through IntelliCAD.

To link a file to an IntelliCAD drawing

1 Save the original file.
Because a link consists of a reference to the original file, you must save the file
before you can link to it.
2 In the original file, select the data you want in the IntelliCAD drawing.
3 Choose that program’s command to place data on the Clipboard.
Usually, you choose Edit > Copy.
4 Display the IntelliCAD drawing to which you want to link the file.
5 In IntelliCAD, choose Edit > Paste Special.
6 In the Paste Special dialog box, select Paste Link.
7 Click OK.
504 CHAPTER 16

To create a linked object from within IntelliCAD

1 Display the IntelliCAD drawing in which you want to display the linked object.
• Choose Insert > Object
• Type insertobj and then press Enter.
2 In the Insert Object dialog box, click Create From File.
3 Specify the file by doing one of the following:
• Type a path and file name in the File box.
• Click Browse to select the file using a file dialog box.
4 Select the Link check box.
5 Select Display As Icon if you want that program’s icon to appear in the drawing
instead of the data.
6 Click OK.
The first page appears in the IntelliCAD drawing, unless you chose to display it as
an icon. To reposition the object, select and drag it.

Editing an embedded or linked object from within IntelliCAD

You can modify an embedded or linked object in its original program from within
IntelliCAD. When you modify an embedded object, you change the object only in
IntelliCAD, not its original file (if you pasted the object from an existing file). When
you modify a linked file, however, you open and change the original file.
Most programs include a submenu of actions you can perform on an embedded or
linked ActiveX object. Usually, the commands for editing ActiveX objects are Edit
and Open. If the object is embedded and its program supports in-place editing, the
Edit command opens the object in place. The Open command opens the object in the
full program window. In IntelliCAD, this command appears at the bottom of the Edit
menu.

To edit an embedded or linked object

• In the IntelliCAD drawing, double-click the object.
If the object is embedded and the program in which you created the object supports
in-place editing, the object opens in place.
If the object is linked, or if its program does not support in-place editing, the other
program opens in its full window and displays the object.
 WORKING WITH OTHER PROGRAMS 505

Importing files created in other formats

You can import files that have the following formats:
• Autodesk DXF format — Autodesk Drawing Exchange Format is an ASCII
description of a drawing file with a .dxf file extension.
• Autodesk DXB format — Autodesk Drawing Exchange Format is a binary
description of a drawing file with a .dxb file extension.
• Autodesk DWF format — Autodesk Design Web Format (used with .dwf
files) is used to distribute a drawing for others to view in a Web browser, review,
and edit using free Autodesk® software and tools. The DWF format uses the .dwf
file extension.
• DWT format — Drawing templates contain predefined settings that you can reuse
when you create new drawings. Drawing templates use the .dwt file extension.
• DGN format — Drawing files used with Bentley Microstation. The DGN for-
mat uses the .dgn file extension.
• Spatial Technologies ACIS format — Three-dimensional ACIS solids saved as an
.sat file.
• DAE format — Collada files are an interactive three-dimensional graphics file for-
mat used by 3D graphics applications (three-dimensional entities are exported,
including ACIS entities). Collada files use the .dae file extension.

Importing a DXF, DWF, DWT, DGN, or DAE format file

Importing .dxf files, two-dimensional .dwf files, .dwt, .dae, and .dgn files is similar to
opening a standard drawing file.

To import a DXF, DXB, DWF, DWT, DGN, or DAE format file

1 Use one of the following methods:
• Choose File > Import.
• On the Standard toolbar, click the Open tool ( ).
• Type open and then press Enter.
2 Choose the folder that contains the drawing.
3 In Files of Type, choose the type of drawing you want to import.
4 Choose the file you want to open.
5 Click Open.

Importing a DXB format file

A DXB format file is a binary description of a drawing file with a .dxb file extension.
506 CHAPTER 16

To import a DXB format file

1 Use one of the following methods:
• Choose Insert > Drawing Exchange Binary.
• Type dxbin and then press Enter.
2 Choose the file you want to open.
3 Click Open.

Importing an ACIS format file

An ACIS format file contains three-dimensional solids, regions, or bodies that are
saved as an ASCII .sat file.

To import an ACIS format file

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose File > ACIS In.
• Choose Insert > ACIS File.
• Type acisin, and then press Enter.
2 Choose the directory containing the .sat file.
3 Choose the .sat file you want to open.
4 Click Open.
 WORKING WITH OTHER PROGRAMS 507

Attaching underlays created in other formats

You can attach underlays using files that have the following formats:
• PDF format — Portable document format viewable using Adobe® Acrobat®
Reader® and Adobe® Acrobat.
• Autodesk DWF format — Autodesk Design Web Format (used with .dwf
files) is used to distribute a drawing for others to view in a Web browser, review,
and edit using free Autodesk® software and tools. The DWF format uses the .dwf
file extension.
• DGN format — Drawing files used with Bentley Microstation. The DGN for-
mat uses the .dgn file extension.

Attaching a PDF underlay

Attaching a .pdf file is similar to attaching an image file.

To attach a PDF underlay

1 Use one of the following methods:
• Choose Insert > PDF Underlay.
• Type pdfattach and then press Enter.
2 Choose the .pdf file you want to attach.
3 Click Open.
4 Specify which page of the .pdf file to attach.
5 Select an insertion point.
6 Enter the scale in which to insert the .pdf file.

Attaching a DWF underlay

Attaching a .dwf file is similar to attaching an image file.

To attach a DWF underlay

1 Use one of the following methods:
• Choose Insert > DWF Underlay.
• Type pdfattach and then press Enter.
2 Choose the .dwf file you want to attach.
3 Click Open.
4 Select an insertion point.
5 Enter the scale in which to insert the .dwf file.
508 CHAPTER 16

Attaching a DGN underlay

Importing .dxf files, two-dimensional .dwf files, and .dwt files is similar to opening a
standard drawing file.

To attach a DGN underlay

1 Use one of the following methods:
• Choose Insert > DGN Underlay.
• Type pdfattach and then press Enter.
2 Choose the .pdf file you want to attach.
3 Click Open.
4 Select an insertion point.
5 Enter the scale in which to insert the .dgn file.

Using IntelliCAD data in other programs

You can use any of the following methods to include IntelliCAD data in a document
created in another program:
• Embedding
• Linking
• Dragging
• Exporting
• E-mailing

The method you choose depends on the capabilities of the other program and how
you want to work with the IntelliCAD data after you’ve placed it in the other
document.

Each method except exporting uses ActiveX to integrate data from different programs.
With ActiveX, you can open IntelliCAD drawings from within the other program to
modify the IntelliCAD drawings.

Embedding drawings
When you embed an IntelliCAD drawing, it becomes part of the other program’s doc-
ument file. When you edit the drawing, you edit only the version that is embedded in
the other document.
 WORKING WITH OTHER PROGRAMS 509

Embedding is useful when you don’t want to maintain a link to the IntelliCAD draw-
ing for the data you include in the other document. Edits made to the new drawing do
not affect the original drawing. To transfer the file to other computers, you can trans-
fer all the data in one file, but embedded objects increase the file size.
From within a document in a program that supports ActiveX, such as Microsoft®
Word, you can either create a new embedded IntelliCAD drawing or embed an exist-
ing IntelliCAD drawing.

To create an IntelliCAD drawing in another document

1 In the document, choose Insert > Object (or the equivalent command for that
program).
2 In the dialog box, click the options for creating a new file.
3 Under Object Type, choose IntelliCAD Drawing, and then click OK.
4 Create the IntelliCAD drawing.
5 If IntelliCAD is running in its own window, choose File > Exit.
If IntelliCAD is running within the other document (in place), click somewhere in
the document outside the IntelliCAD drawing to close IntelliCAD.
6 To edit the IntelliCAD drawing from within the document, double-click the
drawing.

You can also embed an existing IntelliCAD drawing from within another document.
Follow step 1 in the preceding procedure, and then click the option for creating an
object from an existing file.

To embed selected IntelliCAD entities

1 In IntelliCAD, select the entities you want to embed.
2 Choose Edit > Copy (or press Ctrl+C).
3 Open the document in which you want to embed the entities.
4 Choose Edit > Paste (or the equivalent command).

To embed an entire IntelliCAD drawing

1 Open the document in which you want to embed the drawing.
2 Choose Insert > Object.
3 Click Create From File.
4 Click Browse, and then choose the file you want to embed.
5 Click Insert, and then click OK.
510 CHAPTER 16

Editing an embedded IntelliCAD object in place

In many ActiveX-compatible programs you can edit an embedded IntelliCAD object
without leaving the program (or container application). This is called in-place editing.
A different set of IntelliCAD menus and toolbars temporarily replaces most of the
menus and controls in the active window while you edit the IntelliCAD object.

To edit an embedded IntelliCAD object in place

1 In the container application, double-click the embedded IntelliCAD object.
A different set of IntelliCAD menus and controls appears.
2 Edit the IntelliCAD drawing.
3 Click anywhere outside the drawing window to exit the in-place editing controls.

Linking drawings
When you link an IntelliCAD drawing to another document, the other document con-
tains only a reference to the IntelliCAD drawing file, rather than the actual drawing.
You link data in a saved IntelliCAD file so that the other program can find the data
and display it.
Linking works well when you want to include the same IntelliCAD data in more than
one document. When you update the data, you need update it in only one location.
The versions that are linked to other documents reflect the changes automatically.
Linking an IntelliCAD file to another document does not increase the file size the
way embedding an IntelliCAD object does. However, links require more
maintenance. To transport the data, you must make sure to transfer all linked files to
the other computer.

To link an IntelliCAD file to another document

1 Open the drawing you want to link.

Because a link is a reference to a file, the referenced file must be saved on a local or
remote disk.
If you haven’t saved the drawing you want to link, choose File > Save.

2 In the other program, open the document in which you want to include the
IntelliCAD drawing.
3 Choose that program’s command for inserting objects.
In Microsoft® Office programs, choose Insert > Object. In the Object dialog box,
click the Create From File tab. Specify the name of the drawing file you want to
link. Select the Link To File check box, and then click OK.
The drawing appears in the document, with a link to the original IntelliCAD file.
 WORKING WITH OTHER PROGRAMS 511

Dragging IntelliCAD drawings into other programs

If the other program in which you want to include IntelliCAD drawings is compatible
with ActiveX, an alternative to pasting drawings with menu commands is to drag
drawing file icons from Windows Explorer into the other document. Dragging and
dropping drawings does not use the Clipboard, so data on the Clipboard is not
affected.
When you drag an IntelliCAD drawing file from Windows Explorer, you link or
embed the entire drawing in the other document. When you drag the file, the cursor
changes in response to the action you take.

How the cursor changes

Cursor appearance Action

Drag to embed the selected file to the other

document.

Cannot drop drawings in that document.

For easy drag-and-dropping, position the application windows side by side.

Before you drag a drawing, position the Windows Explorer window and the other
program’s window so you can see the file icon and the document in which you want
to drop it.

To drag and embed drawings into another document

• Select the icon for the drawing file, and then drag the drawing into the document.

Exporting drawings
You can save or export IntelliCAD drawings in a number of different formats for use
with other programs. When you save a drawing in a different format, the program
saves all the entities in the drawing to the new file. Or, you can choose which entities
are included in the new file.

File formats that can be exported

The following table describes the file formats that can be exported.

Export formats
Format File extension Details
Bitmap .bmp Graphics file
Enhanced Windows Metafile .emf Graphics file
Windows Metafile .wmf Graphics file
512 CHAPTER 16

Export formats
Format
Portable Document Format
Design Web Format
Scalable Vector Graphics
Stereolithography
Collaborative Design Activity
(Collada)
File extension Details
.pdf Distribute your drawing to others for using with
Adobe® Acrobat® Reader® and Adobe®
Acrobat
.dwf Distribute your drawing to others for using with
Autodesk® software and tools
.svg Graphics file and Web development language
.stl Graphics file used for prototyping three-
dimensional models
.dae Interactive three-dimensional graphics file
format used by 3D graphics applications
(three-dimensional entities are exported,
including ACIS entities)

You can also export ACIS solids, regions, and surfaces to an ASCII file (*.sat) that
you can use in other programs.

Exporting to a BMP, EMF, WMF, STL, DAE, or SVG format file

Exporting to a file is similar to saving a standard file.

To export a drawing to a .bmp, .emf, .wmf, .stl, .dae, or .svg file

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose File > Export.
• Type export and then press Enter.
2 In the Export Drawing As File dialog box, under Save As Type, choose the file
format.
3 Specify the name of the file you want to create.
4 Click Save.
5 If the selection prompt box displays, choose the entity-selection method, and then
create the selection set.
6 When you have finished selecting entities, press Enter.

Exporting to a PDF format file

PDF format files allow you to distribute your drawing to others for viewing in
Adobe® Acrobat® Reader®, which is free software that users can download. PDF files
can also be viewed, reviewed, and edited in Adobe® Acrobat.

To export a drawing to a .pdf file

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose File > Export.
• Type export and then press Enter.
2 In Save As Type, choose Portable Document Format (pdf).
 WORKING WITH OTHER PROGRAMS 513

3 Specify the name of the file you want to create.

4 Click Save.
5 Choose the entity-selection method, and then create a selection set that contains
the entities you want to export.
6 When you have finished selecting entities, press Enter.
7 Choose the options for how you want to export to the .pdf file.
8 Click Export.

A J
B I
C H
D
E G

A Click to include fonts within the .pdf file, otherwise F Enter details if you want to save the information as
system fonts are used. If selected, TrueType fonts properties for the .pdf file.
are embedded within the exported .pdf file, which G Enter the width and height of the paper for the
can cause very large file sizes in some cases. layouts you are exporting. This will be the width and
B Click to export TrueType font text as geometry height of the page in the .pdf file.
instead of text. H Choose the desired unit of measure for the paper
C Click to export SHX font text as geometry instead of size: millimeters or inches.
text. I Select a paper size for the layouts you are exporting.
D Click to optimize geometry processing, for example, This will also be the page size in the .pdf file. If you
save arcs as bezier curves instead of an want to specify your own custom paper size, choose
enumeration of lines, save separated segments with Custom Size.
equal ends and equal attributes as one polyline, and J Click to use the same paper size that is defined for
save rectangles as rectangles instead of four lines. the exported layouts. If this check box is unmarked,
E Choose whether to export only the current, active specify a different paper size in the Size list.
layout, or all layouts in the drawing.
514 CHAPTER 16

Exporting to a DWF format file

DWF format files allow you to publish your drawings so they can be viewed on the
Internet using a Web browser. IntelliCAD exports your drawing to a Design Web
Format (.dwf) file, which can be viewed in a Web browser if Autodesk DWF Viewer
is also installed on the computer. DWF Viewer is a free tool from Autodesk.
You can export your drawing to a 2D .dwf file or a 3D .dwf file. 2D .dwf files have
smaller file sizes, but cannot be viewed in three dimensions. 3D .dwf files can be
viewed in three dimensions using the Autodesk® DWF Viewer, but have larger file
sizes.

To export a drawing to a .dwf file

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose File > Export.
• Type export and then press Enter.
2 In Save As Type, choose Design Web Format (dwf).
3 Specify the name of the file you want to create.
4 Click Save.
5 Choose the entity-selection method, and then create a selection set that contains
the entities you want to export.
6 Choose how you want to export:
• DWF File Version — Choose the file version you want. Version 4.2 can export
entities on the Model tab only (no layouts). Version 5.5 can export the current
layout only. Version 6.0 can export the current layout or all layouts.
• DWF File Format — Choose the desired file format. Compressed binary files
have a smaller file size than uncompressed binary files (both are 2D .dwf files).
ASCII files have the largest file size for 2D .dwf files, but 3D .dwf files have
larger file sized and can be viewed in three dimensions.
• Layout to Export — Choose whether to export the current layout only, or all
layouts in the drawing.
7 Click OK.
8 When you have finished selecting entities, press Enter.
 WORKING WITH OTHER PROGRAMS 515

Exporting to an ACIS format file

You can export ACIS entities such as surfaces, regions, and solids to an ACIS format
file in ASCII (SAT) format.

To export an ACIS format file

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose File > Acis Out.
• Type acisout and then press Enter.
2 Select the ACIS entities you want to save.
3 Specify the name of the file you want to create.
4 Click Save.

Sending drawings through e-mail

You can send an IntelliCAD drawing to another user via e-mail. IntelliCAD is com-
patible with e-mail programs that support the Messaging Application Program Inter-
face (MAPI) protocol.

To include a drawing file in an e-mail message

1 While the drawing file is open, choose File > Send Mail.
If your mail program is not already running, it starts; a new e-mail message con-
taining the IntelliCAD icon and file name appears.
2 Address the e-mail, type a message, and send the e-mail message as you would
any other message.

To view an IntelliCAD file sent by e-mail

• Open the e-mail message, and then double-click the IntelliCAD icon.
IntelliCAD software must be installed on the computer used to open drawings
from e-mail.
516 CHAPTER 16

Using IntelliCAD with the Internet

You can use IntelliCAD to access the Internet and exchange drawing information and
perform other tasks, including:
• Add hyperlinks to a drawing.
• Publish drawings to the Internet.
• Drag drawings (.dwg files) directly from a Web site into IntelliCAD.
• Access the Internet during a drawing session.

You need an Internet browser to use hyperlinks.

Internet Explorer Version 5.0 or later is required to access to the Internet to fully use
these features.

Adding hyperlinks to a drawing

In your IntelliCAD drawings, you can include hyperlinks, which are pointers that
take you to another location, such as a Web address or a file on a particular computer.
You can attach a hyperlink to any entity in your drawing. Then, when you select that
entity, you can open the link and jump to the specific Web address or file location.
You can create absolute hyperlinks, which store the full path to a file, or relative
hyperlinks, which store a partial path relative to a base folder or a Uniform Resource
Locator (URL).

The PICKFIRST system variable must be set to on.

Files associated with hyperlinks can be opened only if the PICKFIRST system vari-
able is turned on.

To create a hyperlink
1 Type hyperlink and then press Enter.
2 Select an entity or entities that you would like to associate with a hyperlink; then
press Enter to display the Edit Hyperlink dialog box.
3 Do one of the following:
• Click Browse to specify a file.
• In the Link to File or URL box, type a Web address.
4 If you want to use a common path for all hyperlinks in the drawing, select the Use
relative path for hyperlinks check box. Relative paths provide flexibility if you
move files to a different folder, since you can change multiple hyperlink paths at
once, rather than change them all individually.
5 Click OK to close the Edit Hyperlink dialog box.
 WORKING WITH OTHER PROGRAMS 517

The HYPERLINKBASE system variable defines the relative path used for all hyperlinks in
the current drawing.
To use the default drawing path, leave the value blank by entering a period (“.”).

To remove a hyperlink
1 Type hyperlink and then press Enter.
2 Select an entity or entities with a hyperlink; then press Enter to display the Edit
Hyperlink dialog box.
3 Click Remove Link.
4 Click OK to close the Edit Hyperlink dialog box.

To access a hyperlink
1 Select an entity with a hyperlink.
2 Right-click anywhere in the drawing area.
3 In the pop-up menu, choose Open Link.
518 CHAPTER 16

Publishing drawings to the Internet

You can publish your drawings so they can be viewed on the Internet using a Web
browser. IntelliCAD exports your drawing to a Design Web Format (.dwf) file, which
can be viewed in a Web browser if DWF Viewer is also installed on the computer.
DWF Viewer is a free tool from Autodesk®.
For details about creating a DWF file, see “Exporting to a DWF format file” on page
514 in this chapter.

Inserting drawings from a Web site

Some Web sites are configured to allow you to drag drawings from the Web site
directly into your drawing. You can drag-and-drop drawings from any Web site that
supports the Autodesk® i-drop technology.

To insert a drawing from a Web site

1 Open your Web browser.
2 Navigate to a Web site that supports Autodesk® i-drop.
3 Position the Web browser and IntelliCAD windows so they are both visible.
4 Click the drawing in your Web browser and drag it to your drawing in IntelliCAD.
The drawing file is downloaded and inserted into your drawing in IntelliCAD.

Accessing the IntelliCAD Web site during a drawing session

In addition to using hyperlinks to access the Internet, you can access a company Web
site at any time. At the Web site, you can obtain company information as well as
product information and news.

To access the IntelliCAD Web site

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Help > IntelliCAD on the Web.
• Type onweb and then press Enter.
2 Navigate to the section of your choice on the IntelliCAD Web site.
 17

Customizing IntelliCAD

You can customize IntelliCAD in a number of ways. For example, you can change
the appearance of many aspects of the program and modify the existing menus and
toolbars or create new ones. This section explains how to:
• Set the program’s preferences.
• Customize menus and toolbars.
• Customize the keyboard.
• Create aliases for frequently used commands.
• Customize entities.
• Create and use scripts.
• Use add-on programs with IntelliCAD.
• Use a digitizer tablet for menu selection and calibrated drawing.

Topics in this chapter

Setting and changing options............................................................................ 520
Customizing menus........................................................................................... 545
Customizing toolbars......................................................................................... 556
Customizing the keyboard.................................................................................568
Creating aliases ................................................................................................ 572
Customizing entities .......................................................................................... 575
Creating and replaying scripts........................................................................... 579
Programming IntelliCAD....................................................................................581
Using a digitizer tablet ....................................................................................... 589
520 CHAPTER 17

Setting and changing options

You can change many of the options that control the program’s behavior and appear-
ance, such as setting the experience level, specifying file paths and default files, con-
figuring display features, and configuring how certain features work.

Changing the options on the General tab

In the Options dialog box, the General tab contains settings for experience level and
save options. You can also set VBA security.

A K
J

C
D

F I

A Click to enable AutoSave feature. F Click to turn off error reporting when a crash
B Select the default file format that displays when issue is encountered while running IntelliCAD.
saving drawings using the Save As dialog box. G Click to disable VBA CommonProject macros on
C Select to check all drawings for errors when startup. (Available if supported by your version of
using the Open command, and attempt recovery, IntelliCAD.)
as needed. H Click to select which filetypes are associated
D Select to hide warning messages when opening with IntelliCAD.
drawings, if the check box Open Drawings using I Click to send a complete report of crash data.
Recover is marked. (Available if error reporting is turned on.)
E Displays the name of the current profile selected J Type the file extension for AutoSaved files.
on the Profiles tab. K Enter frequency of AutoSave in minutes.
L Select the experience level.
 CUSTOMIZING INTELLICAD 521

Setting the experience level

You can control which menus and tools are available by setting the experience level.
You can choose from the following experience levels:
• Beginner Menus and toolbars display only basic commands.
• Intermediate Menus and toolbars display most two-dimensional entity creation
and modification commands.
• Advanced Menus and toolbars display all available commands.

To set the experience level

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Options.
• Type config and then press Enter.
2 Click the General tab.
3 Under Experience level, select Beginner, Intermediate, or Advanced.
4 When you have finished, click OK.

Saving your drawings automatically

To avoid losing data in the event of a power failure or other system error, save your
drawing files often. You can configure the program to periodically save your draw-
ings automatically. The Minutes setting determines the interval between automatic
saves. The program restarts this interval timer whenever you save the drawing file.
When AutoSave is enabled, the program creates a copy of your drawing. The file is
saved in the folder specified in Options > Paths/Files for Temporary Files, with the
file extension specified in the AutoSave Drawing Extension box (by default, .SV$).

To set how drawings are saved automatically

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Options.
• Type config and then press Enter.
2 Click the General tab.
3 Under AutoSave, select the check box to enable the AutoSave feature, and select
the frequency.
If you want to change the default extension assigned to your AutoSave files, type
the new extension in AutoSave Drawing Extension.
4 When you have finished, click OK.
522 CHAPTER 17

Setting the default Save As format

You can control the default file format that you want to display in the Save Drawing
As dialog box. For example, if you use the Save As command to save most of your
drawings in a legacy file format, you can select that file format as the default so you
don’t have to select it each time you save a drawing using the Save As command.
This setting has no effect on saving existing or new drawings using commands other
than Save As — IntelliCAD always saves existing drawings in their current file for-
mat and saves new drawings with the most current file format.

To set the default Save As format

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Options.
• Type config and then press Enter.
2 Click the General tab.
3 Under Save As, select the default drawing format that displays when using the
Save As command. You can always specify a different format in the Save Draw-
ing As dialog box.
4 When you have finished, click OK.
 CUSTOMIZING INTELLICAD 523

Setting how drawings are opened

There are several options that determine how drawings are opened in IntelliCAD.
You can specify which file extensions are associated with IntelliCAD, allowing you
to open files such as .dwg files automatically using IntelliCAD.
Additionally, you can set up IntelliCAD to open drawings automatically using the
Recover command, for example, if you are a new IntelliCAD user and your original
drawings were created using different CAD software and those drawings regularly
contain errors or damaged data. The Open Drawings using Recover option automati-
cally checks all drawings for errors when using the Open command, and attempts
recovery, as needed. Viewing warning messages when opening drawings allows you
to know which files are being fixed by IntelliCAD and what errors have occurred;
however, you can also choose to hide the warnings.

To set how drawings are opened

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Options.
• Type config and then press Enter.
2 Click the General tab.
3 To specify the file types that open automatically using IntelliCAD, click Set Files
Association and make your selections.
4 If you want to use the Recover command automatically each time you use the
Open command, mark the check box for Open Drawings using Recover.
5 If you want to hide warnings when errors are found in a drawing, mark the check
box for Hide Warnings when Opening Drawings using Recover. Errors will still
be logged in an ASCII file with an .adt extension.
6 When you have finished, click OK.
524 CHAPTER 17

Setting error reporting options

Error reporting occurs when IntelliCAD encounters a crash issue. You can specify
whether error reporting occurs and whether a full report is generated. It is recom-
mended to generate the full report only if requested for troubleshooting purposes. The
completed report of crash data can be up to 100MB in size, and while it contains help-
ful information for troubleshooting issues, is more likely to fail during transmission
due to its file size.

To change the options on the General tab

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Options.
• Type config and then press Enter.
2 Click the General tab.
3 If you want to turn off error reporting, mark the check box for Disable Error
Reporting.
4 If you want to generate a full report when error reporting is turned on, mark the
check box for Generate Full Report.
5 When you have finished, click OK.

Disabling VBA CommonProject macros

Each time you start IntelliCAD, macros are automatically loaded for the Visual Basic
Application (VBA) CommonProject. If you do not plan to use VBA, disabling the
macros may improve performance. In addition, disabling the macros can enhance
security if you are running IntelliCAD at a low security level.

To change the options on the General tab

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Options.
• Type config and then press Enter.
2 Click the General tab.
3 If you do not want the CommonProject macros to be loaded when you start Intelli-
CAD, under VBA Security, click the check box for Disable VBA CommonProject
Macros On Startup.
4 When you have finished, click OK.
 CUSTOMIZING INTELLICAD 525

Changing the options on the Paths/Files tab

You can specify locations for various file types such as those used for drawings,
fonts, and menus in the Options dialog box on the Paths/Files tab. You can even
specify multiple paths for the same file type. In addition, you can change the names
of the default system files that are used for functions such as font mapping and error
logging.

Specifying the user paths

You can enter paths to your IntelliCAD directories by selecting them in the Options
dialog box. This feature includes directories for drawings, fonts, help, external refer-
ences, menus, hatch patterns, blocks, print style tables, print output files, temporary
files, templates, and color books. IntelliCAD searches directories for support files in
the following order:
• The IntelliCAD program directory.
• The current drawing directory.
• The Windows search path.
• The search path specified in the Options dialog box.

You can enter multiple paths for each item.

If, for example, the Drawings item has more than one directory associated with it,
click Add to specify additional paths. You can also separate multiple paths with a
semicolon if typing them. IntelliCAD searches the directories in the order in which
they are listed.

To specify a user path

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Options.
• Type config and then press Enter.
2 Click the Paths/Files tab.
3 In the upper half of the dialog box, do one of the following:
• Right-click and choose from the shortcut menu of options.
• Click a category to view its search paths, then single-click the path you want to
modify, and type the path.
If you do not know the path or directory name, click Browse, and then browse to
the location of the directory you want.
4 When you have finished, click OK.

Changing the default system files

You can change the default system files, including the log file, default template, alter-
nate font, and font mapping file.
526 CHAPTER 17

To change a default system file

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Options.
• Type config and then press Enter.
2 Click the Paths/Files tab.
3 In the lower half of the dialog box, under Program Files, do one of the following:
• Right-click and choose from the shortcut menu of options.
• Click the file name for the default system file you want to change, and type a
new file name.
If you don’t know the file name, click Browse, and then browse to the location of
the file you want.
4 When you have finished, click OK.

B I
C H
G
F
D

A Click to view default paths. Click or press the F2 E Click to locate and specify a new default file.
key to modify a selected path. Double-click a F Click to move the selected path up one position
path to open the path in Windows Explorer. in search order.
B Click or press the Insert key to add a new path G Click to move the selected path down one
for the current category. position in search order.
C Click or press the Delete key to remove the H Click to remove custom paths and use the
selected path. default paths for the selected category.
D Select the default file to change. I Click to locate and specify a new path.
 CUSTOMIZING INTELLICAD 527

Changing the options on the Display tab

In the Options dialog box, the Display tab contains settings for displaying the
command bar, IntelliCAD window, menus, mouse actions, and program language.

A T
S

B R
C Q
D
E P
F O

G N
H M

I L
J K

A Type or select the maximum number of
command lines to track.
B Click to show or hide paper sheet in paper space L Click to open the Set Language dialog box and
on Layout tabs.
C Select to zoom out when spinning the mouse
wheel forward and zoom in when spinning the
mouse wheel backward.
D Click to show or hide the Model and Layout tabs.
E Click to show or hide scroll bars.
F Turn off hardware acceleration if you notice
problems during rendering.
G Click to toggle automatic menu loading on or off.
H Click to show or hide prompt boxes.
I Displays the language used to show options
throughout the program.
J Select to display the drive and folder location of
the drawing in the drawing title bar in addition to
the filename.
K Select the look you want for all IntelliCAD
windows.
select language settings.
M Type or select the percentage of transparency to
apply to prompt boxes when they display.
N Type or select the number of recently used
drawings to list on the File menu.
O Click to select the action to take when you right-
click the mouse.
P Click to assign colors to various parts of the
drawing window.
Q Enter or scroll to a number for the percentage of
the screen to be used by the crosshairs cursor.
R Select to always display the pointer as the
crosshairs (instead of the small box).
S Select to use Up and Down arrows for scrolling
the command history instead of panning.
T Enter a font size.
528 CHAPTER 17

Setting how the command bar works

The command bar is a dockable window in which you type IntelliCAD commands
and view prompts and other program messages. To display the command bar, choose
View > Display > Command Bar. To customize how the command bar works, change
the options on the Display tab.

To set how the command bar works

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Options.
• Type config and then press Enter.
2 Click the Display tab.
3 In Command Lines to Track, enter the desired number of previous command and
command prompts that are tracked in the command bar. The default value is 256.
You can also display the commands in the Prompt History window by pressing
F2. To close the window, press F2 again.
4 In Font Size, enter the desired font size. The default is 16.
5 Mark the Use Up/Down Arrows for Command History Navigation check box if
you want to scroll the command history text when using the Up and Down arrows
on the keyboard. This can be a convenient way to review and even repeat previous
commands. If unchecked, using the keyboard arrows pans your view of the draw-
ing.

Use alternate keyboard shortcuts.

For panning, you can use Alt+arrow keys. For scrolling the command history, you
can use Ctrl+K and Ctrl+L.

6 When you have finished, click OK.

Setting the main window options

The main IntelliCAD window can be customized in many ways to best accommodate
your work style. For example, hiding window elements if you do not use them can
help increase drawing space in the IntelliCAD window.
 CUSTOMIZING INTELLICAD 529

To set the main window options

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Options.
• Type config and then press Enter.
2 Click the Display tab.
3 Mark the Show Paper Sheet in Paper Space checkbox if you want to display a
bounded sheet of paper for Layout tabs. When unmarked, the paper sheet does not
display.
4 Mark the Show Tabs checkbox if you want to display the Model tab and Layout
tabs in the main window. When unmarked, the tabs do not display, which can be
helpful if you only work on the Model tab or if you use the command bar and sta-
tus bar to switch between tabs.
5 Mark the Show Scroll Bars checkbox if you want to display the scroll bars on the
right side and bottom of the IntelliCAD window or viewport. When unmarked, the
scroll bars do not display, which can improve performance and can also be helpful
if you only use the Pan command to scroll drawings.
6 Unmark the Hardware Acceleration check box if you experience performance
problems or issues during rendering. By default, Hardware Acceleration is turned
on, but infrequently it can complicate performance and rendering.
7 Mark the Pointer Defaults to Crosshairs checkbox if you want to use crosshairs as
the default pointer shape (instead of a small box).
8 In Cursor Size, enter or scroll to a number for the percentage of the screen to be
used by the crosshairs cursor. Note that depending on your graphics device, a large
percentage can negatively affect display performance.
9 When you have finished, click OK.

Setting colors of the main window

You can control the color of many aspects of the main drawing window, such as
background color, crosshairs color, and more.
530 CHAPTER 17

To set colors of the main drawing window

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Options.
• Type config and then press Enter.
2 Click the Display tab.
3 Click Color Scheme.
4 In Context, select the area that contains items for which you want to specify col-
ors.
5 In Items, select the item for which you want to specify a color.
6 In Colors, select a color or choose Select Color for more options.
7 Click On/Off to show or hide the item (available only if the selected item can be
turned off).
8 When you have finished, click Apply & Close.
 CUSTOMIZING INTELLICAD 531

A J
I

B
H
G
F

C
E
D

A Select an area of the drawing window.
B Select an item for which to change color.
C Displays an example of the current color
selections.
D Click to save the current color settings in a color
scheme file.
E Click to select a color scheme file and load it.
F Click to restore color defaults for all contexts and
items.
G Click to restore color defaults for the currently
selected context.
H Click to restore the color default for the currently
selected item.
I Click to show or hide the selected item (available
only if the item can be turned off).
J Select a color for the currently selected item.
Choose Select Color for more color options.

To save and open color schemes

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Options.
• Type config and then press Enter.
2 Click the Display tab.
3 Click Color Scheme.
4 Make any adjustments before you save the settings.
5 Click Save to save the current color selections as a color scheme file.
6 Click Load to select a color scheme (.xml or .clr file) and load it.
7 Click Apply & Close.
532 CHAPTER 17

Color schemes are an easy way to reuse favorite color settings.

If you work on more than one computer, save a color scheme to a file and load the file
on another computer.

To restore colors to their defaults

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Options.
• Type config and then press Enter.
2 Click the Display tab.
3 Click Color Scheme.
4 Do one of the following:
• Reset a single item — Select the item you want to revert to the default color,
then click Current Item.
• Reset all items in a context — Select the context, then click Current Context.
All items in the current context will be reverted to their default colors.
• Reset all colors — Click All Colors. All items in all context will be reverted to
their default colors.
5 Click Apply & Close.

Setting mouse options

Mouse actions can be customized to best accommodate your work style. For exam-
ple, you may prefer to repeat a recent command when right-clicking the mouse if you
do not use shortcut menus.

To set the mouse options

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Options.
• Type config and then press Enter.
2 Click the Display tab.
3 Mark the Reverse Mouse Wheel Zoom Direction check box if you want to reverse
the zoom direction of the mouse wheel, that is, spin the wheel forward to zoom out
and spin it backward to zoom in, This can be especially helpful if you use the
 CUSTOMIZING INTELLICAD 533

mouse with your left hand. When unmarked (the default), you spin the mouse
wheel forward to zoom in and spin it backward to zoom out.
4 To set the action to take when you right-click the mouse in a drawing, click Right-
Click Action and choose from the following options:
• No Selection — To repeat the previously used command if you right-click when
entities are not selected, choose Repeat Last Command. To display a shortcut
menu if you right-click when entities are not selected, select Show Shortcut
Menu.
• Entities Are Selected — To repeat the previously used command if you right-
click when entities are selected, choose Repeat Last Command. To display a
shortcut menu that displays options specific to the selected entities if you right-
click, select Show Shortcut Menu. You can right-click anywhere in the drawing
with entities selected and the shortcut menu for the selected entities will display.
5 When you have finished, click OK.

Setting how menus display

The display of menus can be customized, including whether prompt menus and right-
click shortcut menus display, whether menus load automatically, and the number of
drawing files that display on the File menu.

To set how menus display

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Options.
• Type config and then press Enter.
2 Click the Display tab.
3 Mark the Display Prompt Boxes check box if you want to show prompt boxes,
which display the same options for commands that display on the status bar and
the command bar. Turning prompt boxes off may save screen space and may min-
imize mouse clicks.
4 Mark the Automatic Menu Loading check box if you want to load drawings with
their associated menus (if any) without overwriting the default menu. The first
time you start IntelliCAD, a default menu is loaded.
5 In Recent Drawing List Size, enter how many recently opened drawings are listed
on the File menu.
6 When you have finished, click OK.
534 CHAPTER 17

Setting user interface options

User interface options include how the title bar displays file names, themes that affect
how IntelliCAD windows look, and the language used to show options throughout
IntelliCAD.
The list of available languages depends on which languages were installed on your
computer. If the desired language doesn't appear in the list, repair or re-install the
application with customized settings for the desired language.

To set the user interface options

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Options.
• Type config and then press Enter.
2 Click the Display tab.
3 Click Set Language and in Language Selection Method, choose one of the follow-
ing options:
• Manual selection — Uses the language selected in the Installed Languages list.
• Automatically match regional settings — Matches the language set for the
geographical region
• Automatically match system locale — Matches the language set for the
operating system.
4 Click OK.
5 Mark the Show Full Drawing Path in Title Bar check box if you want to display
the drive and folder location of the drawing in the drawing title bar in addition to
the filename. When unmarked (the default), only the filename displays in the
drawing title bar.
6 In Theme, select the look you want for all IntelliCAD windows.
7 When you have finished, click OK.
 CUSTOMIZING INTELLICAD 535

A
G
B

C
D
E

A Displays the language set for the geographical
region.
B Displays the language set for the operating
system.
C Select to choose the desired language from the
list of installed languages.
D Select to automatically match the language set
for the geographical region.
E Select to automatically match the language set
for the operating system.
F Displays a list of languages installed for
IntelliCAD. Click the desired language in the list;
available only if the manual selection method is
chosen.
G Click to open the operating system's dialog box
for setting language options.
536 CHAPTER 17

Changing the options on the Profiles tab

IntelliCAD allows you to customize the settings that control your drawing environ-
ment, and then save and restore those settings in a profile. For example, if you prefer
working with custom menus and toolbars, you can save these settings as your own
profile.
Profiles can be helpful if you have multiple users with different preferences, or if you
are a single user who works on various projects that require unique settings. You can
even export your profile and bring it with you when you work on a different com-
puter.

Understanding the settings saved in profiles

Profiles save many settings that control the drawing environment. Once you start
using a profile, it automatically tracks and stores changes that you make to your
drawing environment.
Some settings are saved immediately, but some require that you exit IntelliCAD and
then start IntelliCAD again. This is because profiles save settings from your com-
puter’s registry and some settings are only saved to the registry when you exit Intelli-
CAD.

Settings saved in profiles

Setting Location When saved
Toolbar settings Tools > Customize, Toolbars tab Exit and restart of IntelliCAD
Menu settings Tools > Customize, Menus tab Immediately
Keyboard settings Tools > Customize, Keyboard tab Immediately
Alias settings Tools > Customize, Aliases tab Immediately
Window elements on/off View > Display > Command Bar Exit and restart of IntelliCAD
status and their various View > Display > Model and
settings Layout Tabs
View > Display > Prompt History
Window
View > Display > Scroll Bars
View > Status Bar
Tablet configurations Tools > Tablet Immediately
User paths Tools > Options, Paths/Files tab Immediately
System variables Typed in command bar Varies — some saved immediately
and some upon exit and restart of
IntelliCAD

Creating profiles
Create profiles if you want to save your custom drawing environment settings. This
can be helpful if you have two or more drawing environments that you use regularly.
When you create a new profile, the current drawing environment settings are auto-
matically saved with the new profile.
 CUSTOMIZING INTELLICAD 537

To create a profile
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Options.
• Type config and then press Enter.
2 Click the Profiles tab.
3 Click Create.
4 Enter a name, a description (optional), and then click OK.
5 In the Options dialog box, click OK.
6 Make changes to your drawing environment.
IntelliCAD automatically saves the settings to the new profile.

Some cases require you to exit and restart IntelliCAD before settings are saved with the
profile.
This is because profiles save settings from your computer’s registry and some set-
tings, such as toolbar settings, are only saved to the registry when you exit Intelli-
CAD.

A
J
I
B
H
G
F
E

C D

A Displays the name of the currently loaded profile. G Click to delete the selected profile.
B Select a profile to load it or modify it. H Click to rename the selected profile.
C Displays a description of the profile. I Click to make a copy of the selected profile.
D Click to restore the selected profile to the system J Click to load the selected profile and make it the
default settings. active profile.
E Click to open a profile stored in an .arg file. K Click to create a new profile.
F Click to save the selected profile in an .arg file.
538 CHAPTER 17

Loading a profile
While you work in IntelliCAD, you can load the custom settings of any profile. The
current profile when you exit IntelliCAD is automatically loaded when you start
IntelliCAD again.

To load a profile
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Options.
• Type config and then press Enter.
2 Click the Profiles tab.
3 Select the desired profile.
4 Click Set Current.

Restoring the default settings

At any time you can return to the default drawing environment settings that were
installed with IntelliCAD.
If the Default profile is unchanged, simply load it to restore the default settings. If the
Default profile is deleted or changed, reset an existing profile (one that you no longer
need) to replace its contents with the default settings.

To restore default settings using an unchanged Default profile

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Options.
• Type config and then press Enter.
2 Click the Profiles tab.
3 Select the Default profile.
4 Click Set Current.

To restore default settings without using the Default profile

Resetting a profile erases all of the profile’s custom settings.

Do this only if you are certain you no longer need the selected profile.

1 Do one of the following:

• Choose Tools > Options.
• Type config and then press Enter.
2 Click the Profiles tab.
3 Select a profile that you no longer need; all of it’s custom settings will be erased.
If necessary, create or copy a profile to use for restoring the default settings.
4 Click Reset.
 CUSTOMIZING INTELLICAD 539

Managing profiles
Once you start using profiles, you may need to rename, copy, or delete them. Copy-
ing a profile is a quick way to create a new profile based on an existing profile.

To rename a profile
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Options.
• Type config and then press Enter.
2 Click the Profiles tab.
3 Select the profile you want to rename.
4 Click Rename.
5 Make any necessary changes to the name or description, and then click OK.

To copy a profile
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Options.
• Type config and then press Enter.
2 Click the Profiles tab.
3 Select the profile you want to copy.
4 Click Copy.
5 Enter a new name, a description (optional), and then click OK.

To delete a profile
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Options.
• Type config and then press Enter.
2 Click the Profiles tab.
3 Select the profile you want to delete.
4 Click Delete.
540 CHAPTER 17

Working with profiles on multiple computers

If you use multiple computers and you like to work with our own drawing environ-
ment settings, save time by bringing your profile with you.
On your computer, export your profile to an .arg file. Bring the file with you to the
other computer using a disk, E-mail, network, or some other method. When you start
working at another computer, simply open and load your profile instead of recreating
your preferred drawing environment.

To export a profile to a file

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Options.
• Type config and then press Enter.
2 Click the Profiles tab.
3 Select the profile to export.
4 Click Export.
5 Specify a location and name for the exported file, and then click Save.

To open a profile from a file

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Options.
• Type config and then press Enter.
2 Click the Profiles tab.
3 Click Import.
4 Locate and select the profile (.arg file), and then click Open.
5 Make any necessary changes to the name or description, and then click OK.
6 (Optional) To load the imported profile, select it, and then click Set Current.

Changing the options on the Printing tab

In the Options dialog box, on the Printing tab, you can determine several print set-
tings, including headers, footers, printer configuration files (PC3 files), and print
style tables that change the appearance of your printed drawing without modifying
the actual entities in your drawing.

Print style settings affect only specific drawings.

Print style settings apply to new drawings created without a template and for older
drawings when opened (older drawings that were created before print styles were
available, for example, before AutoCAD 2000). Currently opened drawings are not
affected.
 CUSTOMIZING INTELLICAD 541

To change the options on the Printing tab

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Options, then click the Printing tab.
• Choose File > Print Options.
• Type config, press Enter, then click the Printing tab.
2 Select a default printer to assign to new drawings.
3 To specify initial print style table settings for new drawings (currently opened
drawings are not affected), do the following:
• Click Print Style Settings.
• Select to use color-dependent or named print style tables for new drawings
created without a template.
• Select a default print style table to use with new drawings.
• For named print style tables, select both the print style to assign to layer zero and
to new entities. For color-dependent tables, the print style is BYCOLOR and is
not selectable.
• Click OK. For more details about print styles and print style tables, see “Using
print styles” on page 432.
4 To specify a header or footer for printed drawings, do the following:
• Click Print Stamp Settings.
• Type the content for the header and footer, or select it from the lists. You can
include header and footer information such as a date and time stamp, your name
and company name, or other information that you want to appear at the top or
bottom of printed drawings. To align text to the left, middle, or right in a header
or footer, separate the text with commas. Header and footer settings are set
globally for all drawings.
• Click OK.
5 To specify settings for printer configuration files (PC3 files), do the following:
• Click Add or Configure Printers.
• To add a PC3 file, click Add to create a new PC3 file. In the Add Printer Config-
uration File dialog box that opens, select the desired printer for the new PC3 file,
click Continue, and select the options you want for the PC3 file. If you don't
select any custom options, a PC3 file will not be created.
• To modify or delete a PC3 file, select the desired file in the list and click Modify
or Delete.
• Click OK. For more details about printer configuration files, see “Customizing
and reusing print settings” on page 421.
6 When you have finished, click OK.
542 CHAPTER 17

A Select a default printer to assign to new
drawings.
B Click to specify print style table settings for new
drawings created without a template or legacy
drawings.
C Click to specify a header or footer for printed
drawings.
D Click to specify settings for printer configuration
files (PC3 files).
 CUSTOMIZING INTELLICAD 543

Changing the options on the Snapping tab

In the Options dialog box, on the Snapping tab, you can control how entity snaps
work, including fly-over snapping. Fly-over snapping is a visual aid to help you
see and use entity snaps more efficiently.

To change the options on the Snapping tab

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Options.
• Type config and then press Enter.
2 Click the Snapping tab.
3 Select the options you want.
4 When you have finished, click OK.

C J
D I
H

E
G
F

A Select to display an extra image on the cursor to F Type or scroll to the thickness of the fly-over
show which entity snap is active. (Available even snap marker.
if fly-over snapping is turned off.) G Type or scroll to the size of the fly-over snap
B Select to turn on fly-over snapping. marker.
C Select to turn on fly-over snap tooltips, which H Click to choose the color of the fly-over snap
indicate the type of snap that was used to select marker.
the marked location. I Select to turn on the display of fly-over snap
D Select to turn on the fly-over snap aperture box. markers in all views when you are using more
Entities found within the aperture box are than one viewport.
available for selection, making it easier to find J Select to turn on fly-over snap markers, which
and select entity snap points. mark snap points on entities.
E Type or scroll to the tolerance size for the fly-
over snap aperture box. Higher numbers
increase the distance from the cursor in which
entities are found.
544 CHAPTER 17

Changing the options on the Clipboard tab

You can control what formats are supported when copying content to the clipboard
from IntelliCAD.
Copying all supported formats to the clipboard impacts performance—it is best to
select only the necessary formats.

To change the options on the Clipboard tab

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Options.
• Type config and then press Enter.
2 Click the Clipboard tab.
3 Select the options you want.
4 When you have finished, click OK.

A Select which DWG format versions to copy to the C Select to copy EMF, BMP, embedded object,
clipboard. and linked object formats to the clipboard.
B Select to copy the formats for installed versions
automatically.
 CUSTOMIZING INTELLICAD 545

Customizing menus
You can customize a current menu and save your changes as a menu file. Menus files
can also be loaded. Menu file formats can be any of the following: IntelliCAD (*.icm
files), Customizations (.cui files), and AutoCAD (*.mnu, *.mns files).

Understanding menu compatibility

CUI format menu files are created by newer versions of AutoCAD. MNU format files
are menu files created by all AutoCAD releases, and MNS format files are included
in AutoCAD Releases 13, 14, and 2000. IntelliCAD reads both file formats, even
when menu macros include AutoLISP code. This feature allows you to continue
using your existing AutoCAD menus.
IntelliCAD supports all sections of CUI format files required for menus and toolbars
customization.
For MNU and MNS format file compatibility, see the following table.

IntelliCAD support of specific sections in AutoCAD MNU and MNS format files
Menu section Definition IntelliCAD support
***POP0 Cursor menu Supported
***POPn Pull-down menus Supported
***AUXn Auxiliary menus Not supported
***BUTTONn Button menus Supported
***ICON Icon menus Not supported
***SCREEN Screen menus Not supported
***TABLETn Tablet menus Supported

To see how IntelliCAD reads AutoCAD menu source files

1 Type menu and then press Enter.
2 Under Files Of Type, select AutoCAD Menu File (mnu).
3 In the Open Menu dialog box, go to the AutoCAD Support folder and select the
Acad.mnu file (or Acad.mns for Releases 13, 14, and 2000).
4 To load the AutoCAD menu file into IntelliCAD, click Open.
The IntelliCAD menu bar now looks identical to the AutoCAD menu bar.
5 To see how it works, choose a few commands from the menu bar, such as File >
Open or Draw > Line.
6 To restore IntelliCAD to its default menu , choose Tools > Customize, click the
Menus tab, and then click Reset.
7 To restore the IntelliCAD default toolbars, choose Tools > Customize, and then
click the Toolbars tab and click Reset.
546 CHAPTER 17

Creating new menus and commands

You can create a new menu by inserting a menu item at the top level of the Menu
Tree. Then you can add commands to the new menu item. You can also add sub-
menus and modify existing menu names and commands by adding, deleting, and
rearranging them.

Bullet colors indicate whether a command is available at the current experience level.
A green bullet in front of a menu item or command indicates that the menu item or
command is available; a red bullet in front of a menu item or command indicates that
the menu item or command is not available for you to use at the experience level you
have set. To change your experience level, choose Tools > Options.

F
E

B
C

A To make a menu item current, choose it from the E Click to add the selected command to the current
list. menu item.
B Contains the command string assigned to the F Click to rename the current menu item.
current menu item. G Click to delete the current menu item.
C Contains the text displayed in the status bar for H Click to insert a Menu Item, a Menu Sub-Item, a
the current menu item. Spacer, or Context Menu Item, or a Context
D Click to display the Options dialog box for further Menu Sub-Item.
customization options.
 CUSTOMIZING INTELLICAD 547

To create a new menu

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Customize.
• Type customize and then press Enter.
2 Click the Menus tab.
3 In the Menu Tree, select the menu name above which you want to add a new
menu.
4 Choose Insert Item > Menu Item.
5 Type a name for the new pull-down menu, and then press Enter.
6 Click Close.

To see the new menu, you must perform the following steps for adding a command to
the menu.

To add a command to a menu

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Customize.
• Type customize and then press Enter.
2 Click the Menus tab.
3 In the Menu Tree, select the menu to which you want to add the new command.
4 Choose Insert Item > Menu Sub-Item.
5 Type a name for the new command, and then press Enter.
6 Assign a command string to the command you added by doing one of the
following:
• In the Available Commands list, choose the command, and then click Add
Command.
• In the Command box, type the command string, and then click Add Command.
7 In the Help String box, type the text to be displayed in the status bar when the cur-
sor is positioned over the new command.
8 To add another command, repeat steps 3 through 7.
9 When you have finished, click Close.

You can specify an access key by including an ampersand.

When you type the name of the command, include the ampersand (&) immediately
preceding the letter you want to use as the access key. Be sure not to assign the same
access key to more than one menu or command within a menu. For example, if you
add a command named Quick Line to the Insert menu, including an ampersand imme-
diately preceding the letter Q causes that letter to appear underlined in the menu.
You can then select that command by displaying the menu and pressing the Q key.
548 CHAPTER 17

Add three ^C (Ctrl+C) characters before a command to cancel any active commands.
When a command is selected from a menu, these characters will cancel any active
commands or dialogs.

To rename a menu item

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Customize.
• Type customize and then press Enter.
2 Click the Menus tab.
3 In the Menu Tree, select the menu item you want to rename.
4 Click Rename.
5 Type a new name for the menu item by typing over the highlighted name, and then
press Enter.
6 Click Close.

To delete a menu item

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Customize.
• Type customize and then press Enter.
2 Click the Menus tab.
3 In the Menu Tree, select the menu item you want to delete.
4 Click Delete.
5 In the Confirmation dialog box, click Yes to delete the menu item.
6 Click Close.

Some menu items have sub-items below them.

Deleting a menu item that has sub-items below it in the Menu Tree also deletes all of
those sub-items.
 CUSTOMIZING INTELLICAD 549

Setting the experience levels for menus

You can set the experience levels for menu items you create, and you can change the
experience levels for existing commands.

To set the experience levels for a command

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Customize.
• Type customize and then press Enter.
2 Click the Menus tab.
3 In the Menu Tree, select the command.
4 Click Options.
5 In the Menu Customization Options dialog box, under Experience Level, select
the experience levels that you want for the command.
6 Click OK.
7 Click Close.

Select all the experience levels above the lowest level you want to use.
Commands appear in the menu only at the experience levels you specify. If you select
Intermediate without also selecting Advanced, the commands will appear only when
you set the experience level to Intermediate.

Saving menu files

IntelliCAD automatically saves any changes you make to the current menu. You can
also create and save custom menus as files. You can choose to save a menu file in
CUI format, ICM format, or MNU format.
Saving a menu does not save any toolbars that you created or modified.

To save the current menu to a file

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Customize.
• Type customize and then press Enter.
2 Click the Menus tab.
3 Click Export.
4 In the Select Menu File dialog box, specify the directory and file name you want
to use to save the menu file.
5 In Files Of Type, select the desired format.
6 Click Save.
7 Click Close.
550 CHAPTER 17

Loading menu files

You can replace the current menu file with other custom menus. The program loads
Customizations (*.cui), AutoCAD (*.mnu, *.mns), and IntelliCAD (*.icm) menu
files.

To load a menu file

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Customize.
• Type customize and then press Enter.
2 Click the Menus tab.
3 Click Import.
4 From the Files Of Type list, choose either *.icm, *.cui, *.mnu, or *.mns.
5 Select the menu to load.
6 Click Open.
7 Click Close.

Loading a new menu replaces only the menu.

It does not replace any custom toolbars you may have defined.

Customizing menus manually in a .cui file

Most users customize menus using the Customize command, but a .cui file can also
be edited manually using any ASCII or Unicode text editor.

Toolbars can also be customized manually using .cui files.

For more details, see “Customizing toolbars manually in a .cui file” on page 565 in
this chapter.

Use caution when manually editing a .cui file and use the following tips:
• Content of .cui files is case-sensitive. For example, the following is correct; no
errors will be shown but ID attribute will be ignored:
<ToolTip id="123">Help</ToolTip>

The following is also correct; ID will be equal to 123:

<ToolTip ID="123">Help</ToolTip>
 CUSTOMIZING INTELLICAD 551

• Content of .cui files contains special symbols, similar to an .xml file: & (amper-
sand), ' (quote), and more. Replace these special symbols with corresponding
escape sequence or use XML CDATA structure instead. For example, the follow-
ing is not correct:
<ToolTip id="123">&Help</ToolTip>

Correct:
<ToolTip ID="123">&amp;Help</ToolTip>

Not correct:
<Command>'_HELP</Command>

Correct:
<Command><![CDATA['_HELP]]></Command>

• Properties of several entity types can be described in both node-style and attribute-
style. For example, the following two toolbar buttons are the same:
<ToolbarButton IsSeparator="true"
Visibility="CUI_LEV_ALL,CUI_MDI_OPN,CUI_OLE_SEM"
EntityVisibility="RCM_ENT_ACS,RCM_ENT_MUL"/>

<ToolbarButton>

<IsSeparator>true</IsSeparator>

<Visibility>CUI_LEV_ALL,CUI_MDI_OPN,CUI_OLE_SEM</Visibility>

<EntityVisibility>RCM_ENT_ACS,RCM_ENT_MUL</EntityVisibility>

</ToolbarButton>
552 CHAPTER 17

To customize a .cui file using an editor

1 Save the current menus to a new .cui file:
• Choose Tools > Customize, or type customize and then press Enter.
• Click the Menus tab, then click Export.
• Specify the directory and file name you want to use to save the menu file.
• In Save as Type, select CUI Customizations file (.cui).
• Click Save, then Close.
2 In any ASCII or Unicode text editor, open the .cui file and make changes accord-
ing to the following format.
There are many editors, but if you are developing with IntelliCAD, you already
have Visual Studio, which is a good XML editor for .cui files.

CUI file format

Values
Item (Default Value) Required? Description
FileVersion
MajorVersion 4 byte integer Yes Not supported.
MinorVersion 4 byte integer Yes Not supported.
IncrementalVersion 4 byte integer Yes Not supported.
UserVersion 4 byte integer Yes Not supported.
MenuGroup
Name ext ("ICAD") No Name of a menu group.
MenuMacro
UID Text Yes Id of a MenuMacro. Unique among all MenuMacros.
Macro.Name.ID 4 byte integer (0) No Text resource id of macro name. Used to extract localized text.
Macro.Name Text ("") No Default macro name.
Macro.ToolTip.ID 4 byte integer No Text resource id of macro tooltip. Used to extract localized text.
Macro.ToolTip Text Yes Default macro tooltip.
Macro.HelpString.ID 4 byte integer (0) No Text resource id of macro help string. Used to extract localized text.
Macro.HelpString Text Yes Default macro help string.
Macro.Command Text Yes Command of a macro.
Macro.SmallImage 4 byte integer (0) No Image resource id of small icon or path to local file.
Macro.LargeImage 4 byte integer (0) No Image resource id of large icon or path to local file.
Macro.SmallImageHighContrast 4 byte integer (0) No Image resource id of small high contrast icon or path to local file.
Macro.LargeImageHighContrast 4 byte integer (0) No Image resource id of large high contrast icon or path to local file.
Macro.AcadToolbarConversion Text ("") No Used to extract MenuMacro icon.
 CUSTOMIZING INTELLICAD 553

CUI file format

Values
Item (Default Value) Required? Description
Macro.Visibility Text No Determines the visibility of MenuMacro, constructed as a comma-
(CUI_DEFAULT) separated concatenation of the following values, calculated with a
logical OR applied to all values:
Visibility Value Description
CUI_LEV_BEG User level: Beginner
CUI_LEV_INT User level: Intermediate
CUI_LEV_EXP User level: Expert
CUI_LEV_ALL User level: Any
CUI_MDI_OPN MDI Window: At least one open
CUI_MDI_CLS MDI Window: No MDI windows
CUI_MDI_ALL MDI Window: Either MDI state
CUI_OLE_SEM OLE: Server, embedded
CUI_OLE_SIP OLE: Server, in-place
CUI_OLE_CLI OLE: Client
CUI_OLE_ALL OLE: Any OLE state
CUI_VIS_ALL CUI_LEV_ALL,CUI_MDI_ALL,CUI_OLE_ALL
CUI_SPL_RCM Context (right-click) menu only
CUI_SPL_HIDE Hide this menu or button
CUI_SPL_OSNAP Temporary osnap mode (shift right click when
command is active)
CUI_SPL_CTRL Button is a control]
CUI_SPL_NOENT Ignore all entity visibility flags]
CUI_DEFAULT Default visibility:
CUI_LEV_ALL,CUI_MDI_OPN,CUI_MDI_CLS,
CUI_OLE_CLI
554 CHAPTER 17

CUI file format

Values
Item (Default Value) Required? Description
Macro.EntityVisibility Text No Determines the entity visibility of Menu.Macro, constructed as a
(RCM_ENT_ALL) comma-separated concatenation of the following values, calculated
Note that this item controls visibility with a logical OR applied to all values:
of right-click menus, which are Entity Visibility
designed to display only when Value Description
certain entities are in the right-click RCM_ENT_PNT Point
selection set. This item is only used RCM_ENT_LIN Line
when Macro.Visibility includes
RCM_ENT_RAY Ray
CUI.SPL.RCM.
RCM_ENT_XLN XLine
RCM_ENT_ARC Arc
RCM_ENT_CIR Circle
RCM_ENT_ELL Ellipse
RCM_ENT_SHP Shape
RCM_ENT_TRC Trace
RCM_ENT_SLD Solid
RCM_ENT_3DF 3D Face
RCM_ENT_3DS 3D Solid
RCM_ENT_2DP 2D Polyline
RCM_ENT_3DP 3D Polyline
RCM_ENT_PFM Polyface Mesh
RCM_ENT_3DM 3D Mesh
RCM_ENT_PLN All types of polylines:
RCM_ENT_2DP,RCM_ENT_3DP,
RCM_ENT_PFM,RCM_ENT_3DM
RCM_ENT_TXT Text
RCM_ENT_INS Insert
RCM_ENT_ATD AttDef
RCM_ENT_DIM Dimension
RCM_ENT_LDR Leader
RCM_ENT_TOL Tolerance
RCM_ENT_SPL Spline
RCM_ENT_MTX Mtext
RCM_ENT_MLN Mline
RCM_ENT_GRP Group
RCM_ENT_IMG Image
RCM_ENT_VPT Viewport
RCM_ENT_HAT Hatch
RCM_ENT_RGN Region
RCM_ENT_BDY Body
RCM_ENT_XRF Xreferences
RCM_ENT_ACS All ACIS entities:
RCM_ENT_3DS,RCM_ENT_RGN,
RCM_ENT_BDY
RCM_ENT_ALL Any entity
RCM_ENT_MUL Hide this item if multiple entities are selected
Macro.CheckedExpression Text ("") No Controls whether the button or menu item is in checked state based on
value of the system variable.
 CUSTOMIZING INTELLICAD 555

CUI file format

Values
Item (Default Value) Required? Description
Macro.GreyedOutExpression Text ("") No Controls whether the button or menu item is grayed-out (disabled)
based on the value of the system variable.
Macro.HideExpression Text ("") No Controls whether the button or menu item is visible based on value of
the system variable.
PopMenu
UID 8 byte integer Yes Id of a PopMenu. Unique among all PopMenus.
Alias Text Yes Language independent tear-off-name, usually "POPNN" where NN is a
number.
Name.ID 4 byte integer (0) No Text resource id of popup menu name. Used to extract localized menu
name.
Name Text Yes Default popup menu name.
PopMenuItem
IsSeparator true/false (false) No Defines whether the menu item is a separator.
NameRef.ID 4 byte integer (0) No Text resource id of menu item name. Used to extract localized menu
item name.
NameRef Text ("") No Default menu item name.
MenuItem.MacroRef.MenuMacroID Text ("") No Id of a macro to be bound to this menu item.
PopMenuRef
pUID 8 byte integer Yes Id of a popup menu to be bound to this menu item as a sub-menu.
ToolTip.ID 4 byte integer (0) No Text resource id of menu item tooltip. Used to extract localized text.
ToolTip Text Yes Default menu item tooltip.
HelpString.ID 4 byte integer (0) No Text resource id of menu item help string. Used to extract localized
text.
HelpString Text Yes Default menu item help string.
Visibility Text No Determines the visibility of PopMenuRef, constructed as a comma-
(CUI_DEFAULT) separated concatenation of values, calculated with a logical OR
applied to all values. For details about available values, see “Visibility
Value Description” on page 553 in this chapter.
EntityVisibility Text No Determines the entity visibility of PopMenuRef, constructed as a
(RCM_ENT_ALL) comma-separated concatenation of the values and calculated with a
logical OR applied to all values. For details about available values, see
“Entity Visibility Value Description” on page 554 in this chapter.
CheckedExpression Text ("") No Controls whether the button or menu item is in checked state based on
value of the system variable.
GreyedOutExpression Text ("") No Controls whether the button or menu item is grayed-out (disabled)
based on the value of the system variable.
HideExpression Text ("") No Controls whether the button or menu item is visible based on value of
the system variable.
556 CHAPTER 17

Customizing toolbars
IntelliCAD provides toolbars so that you can access frequently used commands. You
can customize these toolbars by adding or removing tools or by rearranging the orga-
nization of tools. You can also create custom toolbars. You customize toolbars using
the Customize dialog box and clicking the Toolbars tab.

Creating a new toolbar

You can create a new toolbar by dragging a tool from the Customize dialog box and
dropping it anywhere except on another toolbar. IntelliCAD immediately creates a
new toolbar and assigns it a default name. Then you can add tools to the new toolbar.
You can also add, delete, or modify tools on any existing toolbar.
When you create a toolbar using tools from the Buttons area of the Customize dialog
box, the ToolTip, Help String, and Command fields are filled in automatically with
default information. You can edit this information for each tool.

A
E

B
C
D

A The Categories list shows available toolbar D Contains the command string assigned to the
categories. current tool.
B Contains the string displayed as a ToolTip for the E Displays the available tools for the selected
current tool. category.
C Contains the text displayed in the status bar for
the current tool.
 CUSTOMIZING INTELLICAD 557

To create a new toolbar

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Customize.
• Type customize and then press Enter.
2 Click the Toolbars tab.
3 In the Categories list, choose a category to display its associated tools.
4 Click and drag a tool outside the Customize dialog box and onto an open area of
the screen.
5 Modify the ToolTip, Help String, and Command fields as needed.
6 Click Close.

Add three ^C (Ctrl+C) characters before a command to cancel any active commands.
When a command is selected from a toolbar, these characters will cancel any active
commands or dialogs.

To add a tool to a toolbar

1 Make sure the toolbar you want to modify is visible.
2 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Customize.
• Type customize and then press Enter.
3 Click the Toolbars tab.
4 In the Categories list, choose a category to display its associated tools.
5 Click and drag a tool onto the toolbar.
6 Modify the ToolTip, Help String, and Command fields as needed.
7 To add another tool, repeat steps 4 through 6.
8 Click Close.

To delete a tool from a toolbar

Make sure the toolbar you want to modify is visible.
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Customize.
• Type customize and then press Enter.
2 Click the Toolbars tab.
3 Drag the tool you want to delete off of the toolbar.
4 Click Close.
558 CHAPTER 17

To add space between tools on a toolbar

Make sure the toolbar you want to modify is visible.
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Customize.
• Type customize and then press Enter.
2 Click the Toolbars tab.
3 On the toolbar, drag the tool away from the tool beside it.
To avoid accidentally deleting a tool, do not drag a tool more than halfway past
the edge of the toolbar.
4 Click Close.

Naming toolbars
When you create a toolbar, the program assigns it an arbitrary name, such as
ToolBar1, ToolBar2, and so on. When you hover over a floating toolbar, its name
appears. You can rename a toolbar at any time.
In the Select Toolbars dialog box, you can rename toolbars, turn the display of tool-
bars on and off, choose to display large or small tools, choose to display toolbar tools
in color or black and white, and control the display of ToolTips.

To rename a toolbar
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose View > Toolbars.
• Type tbconfig and then press Enter.
2 From the Toolbars list, choose the toolbar that you want to rename.
3 Click Rename.
4 Type a new name for the toolbar.
5 Click OK.
 CUSTOMIZING INTELLICAD 559

H
A G
F
E

B
C
D

A Select to display a toolbar; clear to hide the
toolbar.
B Select to display large tools; clear to display
small tools.
C Select to display color tools; clear to display
black and white tools.
D Select to display ToolTips when you hover over
tools on the toolbar; clear to not display
ToolTips.
E Click to open the Customize dialog box and
customize toolbars.
F Click to delete the selected toolbar.
G Click to type a new name for the selected
toolbar.
H Highlight the toolbar name that you want to
rename or delete.

Creating flyouts
A flyout displays a set of additional tools under a single toolbar tool. IntelliCAD uses
flyouts to organize related tools and to conserve space on toolbars. A flyout is indi-
cated by a small triangle in the lower right corner of a tool. When you click a flyout
tool, the other tools on the flyout extend from the original tool so you can select one
of them. The flyout tool you select then becomes the default tool on the toolbar. You
can add your own flyouts to toolbars.
560 CHAPTER 17

To add a flyout to a toolbar

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Customize.
• Type customize and then press Enter.
2 Click the Toolbars tab.
3 Select the Insert As Flyout check box.
4 In the Categories list, choose a toolbar name to display its associated tools in the
Buttons area.
5 From the Buttons area, click and drag a tool onto a toolbar outside the Customize
dialog box.
6 Modify the ToolTip, Help String, and Command fields as needed.
7 To add another flyout tool, repeat steps 4 through 6.
8 Click Close.

Setting the experience levels for tools

You can set the experience levels for toolbar tools you create, and you can change the
experience levels for existing tools.

To set the experience levels for a tool

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Customize.
• Type customize and then press Enter.
2 Click the Toolbars tab.
3 Go outside the Customize dialog box to a toolbar, and click a tool to select it.
4 Go back to the Customize dialog box, and click Options.
5 Under User Level, select the experience levels you want for that tool.
6 Click OK.
7 Click Close.

Select all the experience levels above the lowest level you want to use.
Tools appear in toolbars only at the experience levels you specify. If you select
Intermediate without also selecting Advanced, the tool will appear only when you set
the experience level to Intermediate.
 CUSTOMIZING INTELLICAD 561

Creating custom toolbar tools

IntelliCAD provides tools for most of the available IntelliCAD commands. These
tools appear on the Toolbars tab of the Customize dialog box. You can also create
your own custom tools and incorporate them into your custom toolbars. To add a cus-
tom tool to a toolbar, you must first add one of the program’s standard tools and then
replace it on the toolbar with your custom tool.
You create custom tools as bitmap (*.bmp) files using any paint or illustration pro-
gram capable of saving to a bitmap. Because you can configure toolbars to display
either large or small tools and to display tools either in color or monochrome, create
four different bitmaps for each custom tool. Create custom tools using the following
dimensions:
• Small bitmaps: 16 x 15 pixels.
• Large bitmaps: 24 x 22 pixels.

Bitmaps that do not match these dimensions are stretched or reduced by the program to
fit the specified size.
The resulting tools may not appear as originally intended.

To customize a tool on a toolbar

Make sure the toolbar you want to modify is visible.
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Customize.
• Type customize and then press Enter.
2 Click the Toolbars tab.
3 Go outside the Customize dialog box to a toolbar, and click a tool in the toolbar to
select it.
4 Go back to the Customize dialog box, and click Options.
5 In the Toolbar Customization Options dialog box, under Button Bitmaps, click the
browse tool (indicated by an ellipsis) adjacent to the Small, Color Button list to
display the Select Bitmap dialog box.
6 Select the bitmap you want to use for the small color tool.
7 Click Open.
8 Repeat steps 5 through 7 for the Large Color Button, Small Black and White But-
ton, and Large Black and White Button versions of your custom tool.
9 When you have finished, click OK.
10 Click Close.
562 CHAPTER 17

The Toolbar Customization Options dialog box.

Importing toolbars
Toolbars are saved as integral parts of IntelliCAD. In IntelliCAD, you can load tool-
bars created as part of menu files (*.mnu, *.mns). Importing a menu file from the
Toolbars tab of the Customize dialog box loads only the toolbar section of the menu
file, not the current pulldown menus.

To import a menu file

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Customize.
• Type customize and then press Enter.
2 Click the Toolbars tab.
3 Click Import.
4 Select the menu file that contains the toolbar settings you want to load.
5 Click Open.
6 Click Close.

Importing a menu file may replace custom toolbars.

Importing a menu file from the Toolbars tab of the Customize dialog box replaces any
custom toolbars you may have defined. Importing the menu file in this way, however,
does not affect the current pulldown menus.
 CUSTOMIZING INTELLICAD 563

Creating toolbars that you can share as files

With IntelliCAD, the easiest way to share toolbars is to export them to a file and share
that file with other IntelliCAD users. You can also manually create toolbars that you
can share.

To save the current toolbars to a file

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Customize.
• Type customize and then press Enter.
2 Click the Toolbars tab.
3 Click Export.
4 In the Select Toolbar dialog box, select the toolbars you want to export.
5 In the Select Toolbar File dialog box, specify the directory and file name you want
to use to save the menu file.
6 In the Files Of Type list, select the desired format.
7 Click Save.
8 Click Close.

To manually create a toolbar that you can share

1 Open any ASCII or Unicode text editor.
2 Use the following toolbar syntax to type the toolbar definitions:
***MENUGROUP=group_name

***TOOLBARS
**toolbar_name
ID_toolbar_name [_Toolbar ("toolbar_name", orient, visible, xval, yval,
rows)]
ID_button_name [_Button ("button_name", id_small, id_large)]command

***HELPSTRINGS
ID_button_name [help_string]

Toolbar syntax and explanations

Item Explanation
group_name Menu group name.
toolbar_name Toolbar name.
orient Orientation. Select Floating, Top, Bottom, Left, and Right (not case
sensitive).
visible Visibility. Select Show or Hide (not case sensitive).
xval x coordinate, designated in pixels from left edge of screen. Suggested
value: 200.
yval y coordinate, designated in pixels from top edge of screen. Suggested
value: 200.
564 CHAPTER 17

Toolbar syntax and explanations

Item Explanation
rows Number of rows
button_name Tool name. Appears as a ToolTip when user places cursor over button.
id_small Name of small (16 x 15 pixels) icon bitmap (BMP) file. This file must be
located in the IntelliCAD folder specified in Tools > Options > Paths.
id_large Name of large (24 x 22 pixels) icon bitmap (BMP) file. This file must be
located in the IntelliCAD folder specified in Tools > Options > Paths.
command Command string (Example: ^C^C_LINE).
help_string Help string. Appears in the status bar when cursor passes over the button.

3 Save the file to the IntelliCAD folder with a *.mnu extension.

Example Toolbar File Contents

***MENUGROUP=example

***TOOLBARS
**NewDraw
ID_ NewDraw [_Toolbar("NewDraw ", _Bottom, _Show, 200, 200, 1)]
ID_Line_0 [_Button("Line", Iline.bmp, IL_line.bmp)]^C^C_line
ID_Hatch [_Button("Hatch", Ihatch.bmp, IL_hatch.bmp)]^C^C_hatch
ID_Dtext [_Button("Dtext", Idtext.bmp, IL_dtext.bmp)]^C^C_dtext
ID__0 [_Button("Circle Rad", Icirad.bmp, IL_cirad.bmp)]^C^Ccircle;
ID_Erase [_Button("Erase", Ierase.bmp, IL_erase.bmp)]^C^Cerase;

***HELPSTRINGS
ID_Line_0 [Creates straight line segments]
ID_Hatch [Fills an enclosed area with a nonassociative hatch pattern]
ID_Dtext [Displays text on screen as it is entered]
ID__0 [Allows user to draw a circle with a radius value]
ID_Erase [Removes objects from a drawing]

To copy an existing toolbar

1 Make sure the toolbar you want to copy is visible.
2 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Customize.
• Type customize and press Enter.
3 Click the Toolbars tab.
4 Go outside the Customize dialog box and select a tool on the existing toolbar that
you want to copy.
5 Copy the information from the ToolTip, Help String, and Command boxes and
paste it into the corresponding lines in the text file.
6 Save the file to the IntelliCAD folder with a *.mnu extension.
 CUSTOMIZING INTELLICAD 565

To open the toolbar file on another computer

1 Copy the toolbar (MNU) file and all related custom bitmap (*.bmp) files to the
IntelliCAD folder on the other computer.
2 Open IntelliCAD.
3 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Customize.
• Type customize and press Enter.
4 Click the Toolbars tab.
5 Click Import.
6 Select the new toolbar file.
7 Select the Append To Current Menu check box, and then click Open.
If you don’t select this box, the custom shortcut menu deletes all current menus.
8 Click Close.

To restore the toolbar defaults

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Customize.
• Type customize and press Enter.
2 Click Reset.

Customizing toolbars manually in a .cui file

Most users customize toolbars using the Customize command, but a .cui file can also
be edited manually using any ASCII or Unicode text editor.

Menus can also be customized manually using .cui files.

For more details, see “Customizing menus manually in a .cui file” on page 550 in
this chapter.
566 CHAPTER 17

To customize toolbars manually in a .cui file

1 Save the current toolbars (and menus) to a new .cui file:
• Choose Tools > Customize, or type customize and then press Enter.
• Click the Tools tab, then click Export.
• Click Customize.
• Specify the directory and file name you want to use to save the menu file.
• In Save as Type, select CUI Customizations file (.cui).
• Click Save, then Close.
2 In any ASCII or Unicode text editor, open the .cui file and make changes accord-
ing to the following format.

CUI file format

Values
Syntax (Default Value) Required? Description
FileVersion
MajorVersion 4 byte integer Yes Not supported.
MinorVersion 4 byte integer Yes Not supported.
IncrementalVersion 4 byte integer Yes Not supported.
UserVersion 4 byte integer Yes Not supported.
Toolbar
UID 8 byte integer Yes Id of a Toolbar. Unique among all Toolbars.
ToolbarOrient float/top/left/right/ No Specifies toolbar orientation.
bottom (float)
ToolbarVisible hide/show (hide) No Specifies whether to show or hide toolbar.
xval 4 byte integer (0) No X coordinate of a floating toolbar and zero-based position index of a
docked toolbar.
yval 4 byte integer (0) No Y coordinate of a floating toolbar and zero-based position index of a
docking row for a docked toolbar.
Name Text Yes Name of a toolbar.
UseOwnIcon true/false (false) No Specifies whether to use single icon when toolbar is used as flyout.
ToolbarButton
IsSeparator true/false (false) No Defines whether the button is a separator.
NameRef.ID 4 byte integer (0) No Text resource id of button name. Used to extract localized button
tooltip.
NameRef Text ("") No Default button name and tooltip.
MenuItem.MacroRef.MenuMacroID Text ("") No Id of a macro to be bound to this button.
ToolbarFlyout
pTargetId 8 byte integer Yes Id of a popup menu to be bound to this item as a fly-out.
ToolTip.ID 4 byte integer (0) No Text resource id of tooltip. Used to extract localized text.
 CUSTOMIZING INTELLICAD 567

CUI file format

Values
Syntax (Default Value) Required? Description
ToolTip Yes Default fly-out tooltip.
HelpString.ID 4 byte integer (0) No Text resource id of help string. Used to extract localized text.
HelpString Text Yes Default fly-out help string.
SmallImage 4 byte integer (0) No Image resource id of small icon.
LargeImage 4 byte integer (0) No Image resource id of large icon.
SmallImageHighContrast 4 byte integer (0) No Image resource id of small high contrast icon.
LargeImageHighContrast 4 byte integer (0) No Image resource id of large high contrast icon.
AcadToolbarConversion Text ("") No Used to extract fly-out icon.
Visibility Text No Determines the visibility of the fly-out, constructed as a comma-
(CUI_DEFAULT) separated concatenation of values, calculated with a logical OR
applied to all values. For details about available values, see “Visibility
Value Description” on page 553 in this chapter.
EntityVisibility Text No Determines the entity visibility of the fly-out, constructed as a comma-
(RCM_ENT_ALL) separated concatenation of the values and calculated with a logical OR
applied to all values. For details about available values, see “Entity
Visibility Value Description” on page 554 in this chapter.
CheckedExpression Text ("") No Controls whether the button or menu item is in the checked state
based on the value of the system variable.
GreyedOutExpression Text ("") No Controls whether the button or menu item is grayed-out (disabled)
based on the value of the system variable.
HideExpression Text ("") No Controls whether the button or menu item is visible based on value of
the system variable.
ToolbarControl
ToolTip.ID 4 byte integer (0) No Text resource id of tooltip. Used to extract localized text. Addition or
change of ToolbarControl instance usually implies IntelliCAD code
modifications.
ToolTip Text Yes Default control tooltip.
HelpString.ID 4 byte integer (0) No Text resource id of help string. Used to extract localized text.
HelpString Text Yes Default control help string.
SmallImage 4 byte integer (0) No Image resource id of small icon.
LargeImage 4 byte integer (0) No Image resource id of large icon.
SmallImageHighContrast 4 byte integer (0) No Image resource id of small high contrast icon.
568 CHAPTER 17

CUI file format

Values
Syntax (Default Value) Required? Description
LargeImageHighContrast 4 byte integer (0) No Image resource id of large high contrast icon.
Visibility Text No Determines the visibility of the toolbar, constructed as a comma-
(CUI_DEFAULT) separated concatenation of the values, calculated with a logical OR
applied to all values. For details about available values, see “Visibility
Value Description” on page 553 in this chapter.
EntityVisibility Text No Determines the entity visibility of the toolbar, constructed as a comma-
(RCM_ENT_ALL) separated concatenation of values, calculated with a logical OR
applied to all values. For details about available values, see “Entity
Visibility Value Description” on page 554 in this chapter.

Customizing the keyboard

IntelliCAD provides keyboard shortcuts so you can access frequently used com-
mands. You can customize these shortcuts and add new shortcuts using the Custom-
ize dialog box.

Customizing the keyboard

To customize the keyboard
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Customize.
• Type customize and then press Enter.
2 Click the Keyboard tab.
3 To define a new shortcut key, enter the shortcut in the Press New Shortcut Key
box.
4 To define a new command string, enter the command string in the Command box.
5 To import an existing keyboard shortcut file, click Import.
6 To save a keyboard shortcut to a file, click Export.
7 To add a command selected in the Available Commands pane to the shortcuts,
click Add Command.
8 To insert a new keyboard shortcut, click New.
 CUSTOMIZING INTELLICAD 569

A Shows shortcuts already defined. C Contains the command string assigned to the
B Displays the shortcut key combination when shortcut.
adding a new shortcut.

Creating a keyboard shortcut

You can assign macros to special keys and certain combinations of keys to create a
keyboard shortcut. A macro consists of one or more commands that are displayed on
the status bar as follows:
• A single command, such as QSAVE.
• A command with options, such as ARC;\A;\\.
• More than one command, such as ^C^C^CZOOM;E;QSAVE;QPRINT.
Keyboard shortcuts are more powerful than aliases. An alias lets you abbreviate a sin-
gle command name; a keyboard shortcut contains one or more macros. To activate a
macro, you press the shortcut key; you do not need to press Enter as you do with an
alias. A shortcut consists of the following keys:
• The function and the cursor control keys, as well as alphanumeric keys pressed in
combination with the Ctrl, Alt, and Shift keys. The Shift key must be used in con-
junction with the Ctrl, Alt, and/or function keys.
• Alphanumeric keys are those labeled A through Z and 1 though 0.
• The cursor keys are the up, down, left, and right arrows and the Page Up, Page
Down, Home, End, Insert, and Delete keys.
• The function keys are those labeled F1 through F12.
570 CHAPTER 17

To create a keyboard shortcut

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Customize.
• Type customize and then press Enter.
2 Click the Keyboard tab.
3 Click New.
4 In the Press New Shortcut Key field, press Alt+A.
The program adds Alt+A to its list of Defined Keys.
5 In the Available Commands list, select Arc Center-Start-Angle.
6 Click Add Command.
The program adds the command to the Command field and enters the complete
syntax for you:
^C^C^_CARC;C;\ \A;
7 To save your changes and close the dialog box, click Close.
8 To activate the Arc command with the center, start, and angle options, press
Alt+A.

To redefine an existing keyboard shortcut

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Customize.
• Type customize and then press Enter.
2 Click the Keyboard tab.
3 In the Defined Keys list, select the shortcut you want to change.
4 In the Command field, change the command string assigned to the keyboard short-
cut by doing one of the following:
• Use the text cursor to delete the current command string, choose a new
command in the Available Commands list, and then click Add Command.
• Edit the command string in the Command field.
5 Click Close.

To delete an existing keyboard shortcut

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Customize.
• Type customize and then press Enter.
2 Click the Keyboard tab.
3 In the Defined Keys list, select the shortcut you want to delete.
4 Click Delete.
5 Click Close.
 CUSTOMIZING INTELLICAD 571

Saving keyboard shortcut files

IntelliCAD automatically saves any changes you make to the current keyboard short-
cuts. You can also create and save your own keyboard shortcut files. The program
saves keyboard shortcut files with the *.ick file extension.

To save the current keyboard shortcuts to a file

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Customize.
• Type customize and then press Enter.
2 Click the Keyboard tab.
3 Click Export.
4 Specify the directory and file name you want to use to save the keyboard shortcut
file.
5 Click Save.
6 Click Close.

Loading keyboard shortcut files

You can replace the current keyboard shortcut file with other custom keyboard short-
cut files.

To load a keyboard shortcut file

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Customize.
• Type customize and then press Enter.
2 Click the Keyboard tab.
3 Click Import.
4 Select the file to load.
5 Click Open.
6 Click Close.
572 CHAPTER 17

Creating aliases
IntelliCAD provides aliases for many commands. You can use aliases to issue fre-
quently used commands by entering one or two letters rather than the entire command
name.
The program also uses aliases to maintain command-name compatibility with
AutoCAD. You can use the same aliases and keyboard shortcuts used by AutoCAD.
In addition, IntelliCAD has enhanced several AutoCAD commands. For example,
IntelliCAD added two useful options to the rectangle command: you can draw a
rectangle as a square, and you can rotate a rectangle at an angle.
You can customize aliases, and you can add new aliases. You customize aliases using
the Customize dialog box.

Creating, redefining, and deleting aliases

To create a new command alias, you first define the alias and then assign it one of the
available IntelliCAD commands.

To display the Customize dialog box

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Customize.
• Type customize and then press Enter.
2 Click the Aliases tab.
 CUSTOMIZING INTELLICAD 573

B C

A Shows aliases already defined. C Displays the command assigned to the current
B Contains the current alias. alias.

To create a new alias

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Customize.
• Type customize and then press Enter.
2 Click the Aliases tab.
3 Click New.
4 In the Alias field, type the new alias.
5 In the Available Commands list, select the command you want to assign to the
alias.
6 Click Assign.
7 Click Close.
574 CHAPTER 17

To redefine an existing alias

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Customize.
• Type customize and then press Enter.
2 Click the Aliases tab.
3 In the Aliases list, select the alias you want to change.
4 In the Available Commands list, select the command you want to assign to the
alias.
5 Click Assign.
6 Click Close.

To delete an existing alias

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Customize.
• Type customize and then press Enter.
2 Click the Aliases tab.
3 In the Aliases list, select the alias you want to delete.
4 Click Delete.
5 Click Close.

Saving alias files

IntelliCAD automatically saves any changes you make to the current aliases. You can
also create and save your own alias files. The program saves alias files with the *.ica
file extension. You can also save alias files for use with AutoCAD by saving the files
with the *.pgp file extension.

To save the current aliases to a file

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Customize.
• Type customize and then press Enter.
2 Click the Aliases tab.
3 Click Export.
4 From the Save As Type list, choose either *.ica or *.pgp.
5 Specify the directory and file name you want to use to save the alias file.
6 Click Save.
7 Click Close.
 CUSTOMIZING INTELLICAD 575

Loading alias files

You can replace the current alias file with other custom alias files. The program loads
both AutoCAD (*.pgp) and IntelliCAD (*.ica) alias files.

To load an alias file

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Customize.
• Type customize and then press Enter.
2 Click the Aliases tab.
3 Click Import.
4 From the Files Of Type list, choose either *.ica or *.pgp.
5 Select the alias file to load.
6 Click Open.
7 Click Close.

Customizing entities
IntelliCAD provides ways to customize entities beyond common formats, dimen-
sions, and layers. Further customization includes using custom audio notes and using
custom shape files.

Working with audio notes

In IntelliCAD you can record and attach audio notes, which are sound clips attached
to entities and available for playback at any time. For example, audio notes in a fac-
tory floor plan can describe maintenance activities for specific areas of the factory
and employees can play the audio notes to hear instructions.
When you include audio notes in your drawing, they are saved in the drawing file —
not in a separate audio file. Note that this can increase the file size of your drawing.
Audio notes created from an existing *.wav file are also saved in the drawing file and
the separate *.wav file remains unchanged.
You can play audio notes in IntelliCAD only.

Attaching audio notes

Audio notes can be created from existing *.wav files. You can also record an audio
note using any microphone that works with your computer. Many computers have a
built-in microphone. If you do not have a microphone and you record an audio note,
the audio note will contain no sound.
An audio note icon displays on entities that have attached audio notes. The icon is for
display only and cannot be selected.
576 CHAPTER 17

To record and attach an audio note to entities

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Audio Note.
• On the Tools toolbar, click the Audio Note tool ( ).
• Type audionote and then press Enter.
2 Select the desired entities, and then press Enter.
3 Choose Record.
4 Click Record to begin the audio note, and then speak into the microphone.
5 Click Stop to end the audio note.
6 To test the audio note, click Test, and then use Pause and Stop in the Test Audio
Note area.
7 If necessary, you can record the audio note again. This overwrites the previous
audio note for the entities you selected in Step 2.
8 Click Attach.

You can modify an audio note after you attach it to an entity.

Select the entity and re-record the audio note using the previous steps.

To attach an audio note to entities using a .wav file

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Audio Note.
• On the Tools toolbar, click the Audio Note tool ( ).
• Type audionote and then press Enter.
2 Select the desired entities, and then press Enter.
3 Choose Attach.
4 Select the desired *.wav file, and then click Open.

Selecting audio notes

Audio notes themselves cannot be selected. Instead, you select the entity that corre-
sponds to the desired audio note.
An audio note icon displays on entities that have attached audio notes. The icon is for
display only and cannot be selected.
 CUSTOMIZING INTELLICAD 577

An audio note icon displays on an entity, signifying that an audio note

is attached to the entity.

To select audio notes

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Audio Note.
• On the Tools toolbar, click the Audio Note tool ( ).
• Type audionote and then press Enter.
2 Select the entity that is attached to the desired audio note, and then press Enter.
You cannot select the audio note icon that displays on the entity.
3 Choose an option to continue working with audio notes.

Use the system variables.

You can change the appearance of audio note icons using the AUDIOICON, AUDIO-
ICONCOLOR, and AUDIOICONSCALE system variables.

Playing audio notes

To play audio notes
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Audio Note.
• On the Tools toolbar, click the Audio Note tool ( ).
• Type audionote and then press Enter.
2 Select the entity that has the audio note you want to play, and then press Enter.
3 Choose Playback.
4 In the Playback dialog box, do the following:
• Click Play to begin playback.
• To pause the audio note temporarily, click Pause and then click Resume to
continue.
• Click Stop to end playback.
5 Click OK.
578 CHAPTER 17

Deleting audio notes

You can remove audio notes from selected entities. In some cases, you may want to
remove extra audio notes to reduce the drawing file size.
When you remove an audio note from an entity, the audio note is removed perma-
nently and cannot be recovered. However, if the audio note was created using an
existing *.wav file, that *.wav file is not removed.

To delete audio notes

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Audio Note.
• On the Tools toolbar, click the Audio Note tool ( ).
• Type audionote and then press Enter.
2 Select entities that have the audio notes you want to delete, and then press Enter.
3 Choose Delete.

Using shape files

Shapes are entities that you define for use as drawing symbols and text fonts. You can
specify the scale and rotation to use for each shape as you add it.
To use shape files, you first load the compiled shape file that defines the shape. Then
you use insert shapes from the file into your drawing.

To load a shape file

1 Type load and then press Enter.
2 In the Load Shape File dialog box, select a shape file.
3 Click OK to close the Load Shape File dialog box.

To use a shape file

1 Type shape and then press Enter.
2 Type a shape name and press Enter.
3 Specify an insertion point.
4 Specify a height.
5 Specify a rotation angle.
 CUSTOMIZING INTELLICAD 579

Creating and replaying scripts

IntelliCAD can record anything you type on the keyboard and any points you select
in a drawing. You can save all of these actions to a script file (with the *.scr exten-
sion) and then repeat them by replaying the script. You can use scripts for succes-
sively repeating commands, showing snapshots in a slide show, or batch printing.
You can also load and run script files created for use with AutoCAD.

Understanding scripts
IntelliCAD supports most AutoCAD customization files, including menus, script
files, and LISP routines. IntelliCAD uses compatible linetypes, hatch patterns, units
translation, and command aliases, but you can also substitute your own files for these.
This feature allows you to continue to work with your favorite customized drafting
environment.
A script is a form of text file. A script file contains one line of text or other data for
each action. For example, when you type a command and press Enter, it is recorded
on a line in the script file. When you select a point in a drawing, the coordinate of that
point is recorded on a line in the script file. You can also create script files outside
IntelliCAD using a text editor (such as Microsoft® Notepad or Microsoft® WordPad)
or a word-processing program (such as Microsoft® Word) that saves the file in ASCII
format. The file type and extension must be .scr.
Script files can contain comments. Any line that begins with a semicolon is consid-
ered a comment. The program ignores these lines when replaying the script. The
Undo feature reverses the last command performed by the script.
IntelliCAD improves on scripts, AutoLISP, and ADS by providing additional func-
tions. For scripts, IntelliCAD includes a Script Recorder that records both command
line entries and screen picks you make with your mouse.

Recording scripts
After you activate the Script Recorder, every keyboard entry you make and any
points you select in a drawing are recorded until you stop the Script Recorder. You
can play back your script at any time.

CAUTION
The Script Recorder does not record your use of toolbars, menus, or dialog boxes.
Using these elements while recording a script causes unpredictable results.
580 CHAPTER 17

To record a script
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Record Actions > Record Script.
• On the Tools toolbar, click the Record Script tool ( ).
• Type recscript and then press Enter.
2 Specify the name of the script file you want to create.
3 Click Save.
4 Type commands on the keyboard.
The Script Recorder records all keyboard entries and all points you select in the
drawing, saving everything to the script file.

To stop recording
Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Record Actions > Stop Recording.
• On the Tools toolbar, click the Stop Recording tool ( ).
• Type stopscript and then press Enter.

Replaying scripts
To replay a script
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Record Actions > Run Script.
• On the Tools toolbar, click the Run Script tool ( ).
• Type script and then press Enter.
2 In the Run Script dialog box, specify the name of the script file you want to run.
3 Click Open.
The program immediately runs the script, performing all the actions originally
recorded.

Double-click a script file.

To invoke a script automatically when you load IntelliCAD, in Windows Explorer,
double-click a script file.
 CUSTOMIZING INTELLICAD 581

Modifying scripts
To append to a script
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Record Actions > Record Script.
• On the Tools toolbar, click the Record Script tool ( ).
• Type rescript and then press Enter.
2 In the Record Script dialog box, select the Append To Script check box.
3 Select the existing script file to append.
4 Click Save.
5 Click Yes to the prompt asking whether you want to replace the existing script.
6 Repeat the procedure to enter additional commands and steps.

Programming IntelliCAD
Another way you can customize IntelliCAD is to add custom programs written in any
of several programming languages that run within IntelliCAD, including the follow-
ing: TX, .NET, LISP, SDS, DCL, VBA and VSTA, and DIESEL.
In IntelliCAD, you can run many programs originally created for use with AutoCAD.
Specifically, you can use programs written entirely in AutoLISP with no modifica-
tion. In addition, you can run many ADS programs originally written for use with
AutoCAD after first recompiling them using the IntelliCAD run-time libraries. Many
AutoCAD third-party programs are compatible with IntelliCAD.

Use the online Help.

For information about programming for IntelliCAD, see the online Help for the Intel-
liCAD Developer’s Reference.

Using TX
The TX interface is available for developers to create custom entities and applica-
tions.
582 CHAPTER 17

To load a TX/IRX custom application

Advanced experience level
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Load Application.
• Type appload and then press Enter.
• Drag and drop the TX or IRX file into IntelliCAD.
2 In the Load Application Files dialog box, click Add File.
3 Select the TX or IRX file that you want to load, and then click Open.
4 Click OK.

To run a TX/IRX custom application

Advanced experience level
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Load Application.
• Type appload and then press Enter.
2 In the Load Application Files dialog box, choose the routine you want to run
(make sure that it is the only one selected), and then click Load.

For more information

• See the sample TX and IRX applications.
• Read the online documentation for TX and IRX, available in the Developer Refer-
ence of IntelliCAD Help.
 CUSTOMIZING INTELLICAD 583

Using .NET applications

Custom .NET applications can be loaded in IntelliCAD two ways:
• Using the Load Application command.
• Using VSTA (if available in your version of IntelliCAD).
The following describes how to use .NET application with the Load Application
command. For details about using .NET applications via VSTA, see “Using VBA and
VSTA” on page 587 in this chapter.

To prepare the .NET custom application

1 In the .NET application, inherit the IICadPlugin interface that is defined in Intelli-
CAD as:
public interface IIcadPlugin

void PluginLoaded(object sender, EventArgs e);

void PluginUnLoading(object sender, EventArgs e);

Where PluginLoaded() is called on plug-in load, the sender argument is a

COM Interop model class IntelliCAD.Application for working with (storing it as a
class member), and PluginUnLoading()is called right before the plug-in is
unloaded.

To load a .NET custom application

Advanced experience level
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Load Application.
• Type appload and then press Enter.
2 In the Load Application Files dialog box, click Add File.
3 Select the .NET .dll file that you want to load, and then click Open.
4 Click OK.
584 CHAPTER 17

Using LISP routines

IntelliCAD supports the LISP programming language and is compatible with
AutoLISP, the implementation of the LISP language in AutoCAD. This means that
you can load and run any AutoLISP program written for use with AutoCAD.

To load a LISP routine

Advanced experience level
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Load Application.
• Type appload and then press Enter.
• Drag and drop the LISP file into IntelliCAD.
2 In the Load Application Files dialog box, click Add File.
3 Select the LISP file that you want to load, and then click Open.
4 Click OK.

Load LISP routines from the command bar.

In the command bar, type (load “d:/path/routine.lsp”), making sure to include the
parentheses and the quotation marks, where d:/path is the drive and path where the
LISP routine is located on your computer, and routine.lsp is the LISP routine file
name.

To run a LISP routine

Advanced experience level
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Load Application.
• Type appload and then press Enter.
2 In the Load Application Files dialog box, choose the routine you want to run
(make sure that it is the only one selected), and then click Load.

Some LISP routines are created in such a way that you can run them by simply typing
the name of the routine, or by typing a keyword, directly in the command bar. If noth-
ing happens when you attempt to run the LISP routine from within the Load Applica-
tion Files dialog box, turn on the display of the command bar or Prompt History
window by choosing View > Display > Command Bar or View > Display > Prompt
History Window, and look for an entry that is similar to the following:
Loading D:\path\routine.lsp

C:KEYWORD
 CUSTOMIZING INTELLICAD 585

where D:\path\routine.lsp is the complete drive, path, and file name of the LISP rou-
tine. You may need to scroll back several lines in the command bar or Prompt History
window to find the lines indicating where the LISP routine was loaded. You can run
the LISP routine by typing the name of the routine or keyword appearing after the C
drive designation.
For example, if you loaded a LISP routine named drawbox.lsp and see the designa-
tion C:DRAWBOX in the command bar or Prompt History window, you can run the
LISP routine by typing drawbox in the command bar.

Using SDS applications

To write AutoCAD applications in C or C++, Autodesk® uses the ADS (AutoCAD
Development System). This is an API (applications programming interface) that pro-
vides a library to access AutoCAD-specific functions and drawing data.
The equivalent in IntelliCAD is called SDS™, the Solutions Development System™.
SDS is a C/C++ language interface compatible with the ADS interface in AutoCAD.
Like scripts and AutoLISP, you can run your existing ADS applications in
IntelliCAD. Simply recompile the source code using the SDS libraries provided on
the IntelliCAD CD-ROM, or, if you use an AutoCAD program written by a third-
party vendor, contact that vendor for the IntelliCAD version.
IntelliCAD provides the Sds.H file, which redefines ADS function names to their
SDS equivalents. SDS supports the AutoCAD dialog control language (DCL), which
is used by ADS to define the look of a dialog box. You can use all DCL files unmod-
ified within SDS.

Understanding SDS compatibility

The primary difference between ADS and SDS is that all SDS functions have an sds_
prefix, and ADS functions have a variety of prefixes, such as ads_, acad_, and acrx_.
The exception is dialog-related SDS functions, which have a dlg_ prefix. IntelliCAD
accepts either prefix. Other differences include the additional SDS functions listed in
the following table.

SDS functions with no ADS equivalent

SDS function name Description
sds_grclear Clears all graphics from the drawing window; similar to the LISP
(grclear) function.
sds_name_clear Clears the entity name or selection set.
sds_name_equal Verifies whether two entity names or selection sets are equal.
sds_name_nil Verifies whether the entity name or selection set has been
cleared.
sds_name_set Copies one entity name or selection set to another drawing.
sds_pmtssget Similar to the ads_ssget function, but allows you to display a
prompt appropriate for the specific command, rather than the
generic “Select object” prompt.
586 CHAPTER 17

SDS functions with no ADS equivalent

SDS function name
sds_point_set
sds_progresspercent
sds_progressstart
sds_progressstop
sds_readaliasfile
sds_sendmessage
sds_swapscreen
Description
Copies a point from one variable to another.
Displays the percentage done in a progress bar.
Starts the progress bar.
Ends the progress bar.
Loads the PGP file into IntelliCAD.
Sends a message to the IntelliCAD command line.
Flips the off-screen device context to the display.

Some ADS functions are not supported in SDS, including: ads_arxload,

ads_arxloaded, ads_arxunload, ads_ssgetx, ads_ssGetKwordCallbackPtr,
ads_ssGetOtherCallbackPtr, adsw_acadMainWnd, and adsw_acadDocWnd.

For more information

• Read the online documentation for SDS functions.
• See the \IntelliCAD\Api\Sds folder, which contains the SDS include, header, and
library files.
• See the \IntelliCAD\Api\Dcl folder, which contains the core DCL files.

Using DDE applications

IntelliCAD supports the DDE API, which allows you to execute IntelliCAD com-
mands at the command line from an external application. IntelliCAD includes a sam-
ple command-line application that reads a script file and sends it to IntelliCAD for
step-by-step execution.

To see a sample of DDE script execution

1 Compile the source code of the DDESample project. The sample application is
located at:
Source\IntelliCAD\api\DDE\Samples\DDESample
2 Run IntelliCAD.
3 Run the DDESample application with the sample script file that is included in the
VC project.
IntelliCAD shows the results.

Using DCL with IntelliCAD

IntelliCAD completely supports the AutoCAD DCL (dialog control language). DCL
is used by AutoLISP functions to define the look of dialog boxes. You can use all
DCL files unmodified within IntelliCAD.
 CUSTOMIZING INTELLICAD 587

Using VBA and VSTA

IntelliCAD can be customized using Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) and Visual
Tools for Applications (VSTA) through an integrated interface, available from the
IntelliCAD Tools menu. IntelliCAD features a broad range of objects, giving you the
power to write your own custom applications that can run within IntelliCAD.

To load a VBA project

Advanced experience level
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Visual Basic > Load VBA Project.
• Type vbiload and then press Enter.
2 Locate and select the Visual Basic project file (.vbi file) to load, then click Open.

To run a VBA macro

Advanced experience level
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Visual Basic > Macros.
• Type vbarun and then press Enter.
2 In the Run IntelliCAD VBA Macro dialog box, enter the name of an existing VBA
macro, and then click Run.
You can also create, delete, and edit VBA macros from this dialog box.

To edit a VBA macro

Advanced experience level
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Visual Basic > Visual Basic Editor.
• Type vba and then press Enter.
2 Use the Visual Basic Editor to write or debug VBA macros.

To load a VSTA project

Advanced experience level
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Visual Studio Tools for Applications > VSTA Add-In Manager.
• Type vstaload and then press Enter.
2 Click Add.
3 Locate and select the VSTA application (.dll file) to load, then click Open.
588 CHAPTER 17

To run a VSTA method

Advanced experience level
1 Type -vstarun and then press Enter.
2 Enter the name of the method to run, for example: C:\App.dll!MyMacro.
The macro name uses the following format:
<file_name>[!<macro_name>]
where:
<file_name> is the path to an external dll.
<macro_name> is the name of the dll method to run.

To run a .NET application

Advanced experience level
1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Visual Studio Tools for Applications > Load .NET Application.
• Type netload and then press Enter.
2 Locate and select the .NET .dll file, then click Open.

Unload a .NET application.

Type netunload and specify the .NET DLL application filename to unload, for exam-
ple, c:\App.dll.

For more information

• Read the online documentation for VBA and VSTA, available both from the edi-
tor Help menu and from the IntelliCAD Help menu.
• Many publications are available that explain how to program in VBA and VSTA.

Using DIESEL with IntelliCAD

IntelliCAD supports AutoCAD DIESEL (Direct Interactively Evaluated String
Expression Language). DIESEL is a separate interpretive programming language that
allows you to customize the following:
• Status bar
• Menus
• LISP functions
For more information
• Read the online documentation for DIESEL, available from the IntelliCAD Help.
• Several publications and tutorials are available online that explain how to use
DIESEL.
 CUSTOMIZING INTELLICAD 589

Using a digitizer tablet

IntelliCAD supports tablets compatible with the TabletWorks driver and has its own
tablet overlay. For instructions on installing the tablet driver and using the buttons on
your pointing device, refer to your hardware documentation.
Three options are available with the Tablet command:
• Configure Maps the tablet overlay to the tablet itself. Configure the tablet if you
plan to select IntelliCAD tools from the tablet overlay.
• Calibrate Maps points on the tablet, in absolute coordinates, to points on a draw-
ing. Calibrate the tablet if you intend to digitize points. This process is convenient
for tracing paper drawings.
• Tablet ON/OFF Turns tablet calibration (digitizer mode) on and off. Use this to
switch between tool selection and digitizer input. To use the tablet for tool selec-
tion, tablet mode must be turned off.

Configuring the tablet

Before you begin to configure the tablet, slip the tablet overlay underneath the tab-
let’s plastic cover, and align it in accordance with the directions for your tablet. If
your tablet does not have a plastic cover, align the overlay holes with the pegs on
your tablet.
IntelliCAD provides a default configuration for tablets measuring 12" by 12". If you
choose to accept the default, be sure to verify that the commands in the grid are acti-
vated correctly. If the default alignment does not work for your tablet, you’ll need to
begin the configuration process again and align the tablet yourself.

To configure the tablet for menu input

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Tablet > Configure.
• Type tablet, choose Configure, and then press Enter.
2 In response to the prompt to align the tablet, do one of the following:
• If your tablet is 12" by 12", choose No to accept the default alignment and
conclude the configuration process.
• To align the tablet yourself, choose Yes, and then continue with step 3.
3 Click the tablet pointer on the upper left alignment point of the overlay ().
4 Click the tablet pointer on the lower left alignment point of the overlay ().
5 Click the tablet pointer on the lower right alignment point of the overlay ().
6 Click the tablet pointer on the lower left alignment point of the Workspace area of
the overlay ().
590 CHAPTER 17

7 Click the tablet pointer on the upper right alignment of the Workspace area of the
overlay ().

2 3

Click points in the order shown to configure your tablet for menu input.

To turn tablet mode on or off

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Tablet > Tablet On (or Tablet Off).
• Type tablet, choose On or Off, and then press Enter.
• Press the F4 key to toggle tablet mode on or off.
• On the status bar, double-click TABLET to turn tablet mode on or off.

Calibrating the tablet

You must specify at least two points for tablet calibration. However, the more points
you specify, the more accurate the transformation between the tablet and the screen
points. Specifying additional points is particularly useful if you plan to trace a paper
drawing that is not orthogonal, such as an aerial photograph.

Understanding transformation types

Depending on the number of points specified, you have a choice of transformation
types to use, along with the type recommended for IntelliCAD.
Transformation refers to the calculation of the points on the screen that correspond to
points you digitize on the tablet.
• Orthogonal Preserves all angles between lines, preserves all relative distances,
and, in general, preserves shapes. If you specify only two points, an orthogonal
transformation is automatically generated. The orthogonal transformation type
yields the most precise mapping between the digitized points on the tablet and the
corresponding points on the screen.
 CUSTOMIZING INTELLICAD 591

• Affine Preserves parallel lines, but not necessarily the angles between intersecting
lines. If you specified three points, IntelliCAD can no longer represent this map-
ping as an exact orthogonal transformation. Therefore, you have a choice of an
exact affine transformation or a “best fit” orthogonal transformation.
• Projective Does not preserve parallel lines or angles. If you specify exactly four
points, you have a choice of an exact projective transformation or a “best fit”
orthogonal or affine transformation.

Recommended and “best fit” transformation types

Transformation type
Number of points specified recommended “Best fit” (approximate)
2 Orthogonal None
3 Affine Orthogonal
4 Projective Orthogonal, Affine
5-10 None Orthogonal, Affine

Choose the recommended type unless you know it will not be appropriate for what
you are digitizing. The most appropriate type is not always the one with the least
error; for example, you might digitize three points and select the orthogonal transfor-
mation, even though the affine transformation would yield a closer representation of
your calibration entries.

2 3

2 3

1 4 1 4

Digitizing by selecting points (1, 2, 3, and 4) on the tablet. Corresponding screen coordinates:
1 Coordinate specification X0, Y0, Z0
2 Coordinate specification X0, Y5, Z0
3 Coordinate specification X5, Y5, Z0
4 Coordinate specification X5, Y0, Z0
592 CHAPTER 17

Screen result of orthogonal transformation after Screen result of affine transformation Screen result of projective transformation after
tracing polyline on tablet. after tracing polyline on tablet. tracing polyline on tablet.

To calibrate your tablet for digitizing points

1 Do one of the following:
• Choose Tools > Tablet > Calibrate.
• Type tablet, choose Calibrate, and then press Enter.
2 Click a point on the tablet to define as the first calibration point.
3 Specify a point within the IntelliCAD drawing window to correspond to the point
you digitized on the tablet, or enter coordinate values in the command bar.
4 Click a point on the tablet to define as the second calibration point.
Specify a point within the IntelliCAD drawing window to correspond to the point
you digitized on the tablet, or enter coordinate values in the command bar. To
specify more than the two points required, click a point on the tablet to define as
the third calibration point. You can enter up to 10 points.
5 Choose the transformation type, and then press Enter.

Customizing the tablet interface

You can customize the digitizer tablet interface by using the LISP commands
integrated with IntelliCAD, even if you are not familiar with LISP. For instructions,
see “Customizing the Tablet Interface” in the IntelliCAD online Help.
 Appendix

Understanding AutoCAD compatibility

IntelliCAD was designed to interface with AutoCAD as seamlessly as possible. There

are, however, some differences for which those accustomed to working in AutoCAD
may need to adjust. This appendix provides information specifically for that audi-
ence.

Topics in this chapter

Using enhanced AutoCAD commands in IntelliCAD ........................................ 594
Using additional selection sets ......................................................................... 595
Using additional IntelliCAD commands............................................................. 596
Recognizing subtle command differences ........................................................ 599
Identifying unsupported commands and features............................................. 600
Identifying what does not display...................................................................... 601
Supporting AutoCAD customization ................................................................. 602
Understanding menu compatibility.................................................................... 602
Importing and exporting customization files ..................................................... 603
Programming IntelliCAD ................................................................................... 604
IntelliCAD and AutoCAD list of terms ............................................................... 606
594 APPENDIX

Using enhanced AutoCAD commands in IntelliCAD

IntelliCAD enhances several AutoCAD commands by providing more options. For
example, if you hold down the Shift key, IntelliCAD is placed temporarily in orthog-
onal mode, which you will find to be a useful feature for drawing at right angles. The
following table lists examples of other commands with enhanced options.

Enhanced IntelliCAD commands

Enhanced
Command option name Explanation
circle Arc Converts an arc to a circle.
donut 2point Determines the outside diameter of a donut by
two pick points.
donut 3point Determines the outside diameter of a donut by
three pick points.
donut RadTanTan Determines the outside diameter of a donut by
tangent points.
line Angle Draws a line by angle, followed by a length.
line Length Draws a line by a length, followed by an angle.
msnapshot (mslide) and EMF Saves and views screen images in enhanced
vsnapshot (vslide) metafile format.
msnapshot (mslide) and WMF Saves and views screen images in Windows
vsnapshot (vslide) metafile format.
parallel (offset) Both sides Copies an entity parallel on both sides.
plane (solid) Rectangle Draws a rectangular solid at any angle.
plane (solid) Square Draws a square solid at any angle.
plane (solid) Triangle Draws an equilateral solid at any angle.
rectangle Square Draws a square rectangle.
rectangle Rotated Draws a rotated rectangle.
 APPENDIX 595

Using additional selection sets

IntelliCAD has additional selection-set options not found in AutoCAD. In particular,
in the circle selection set, the Crossing Circle (CC), Outside Circle (OC), and Win-
dow Circle (WC) options select all entities relative to the same distance (radius) of a
central pick point.
The following table lists and describes the additional selection sets in IntelliCAD.

Additional selection set options

Selection mode Description
CC Crossing Circle: Selects all entities within and crossing a circular area.
D Selection method: Displays the Drawing Settings dialog box.
O Outside Window: Selects all entities outside a rectangular area; this is the
inverse of the Crossing Circle option.
OC Outside Circle: Selects all entities outside a circular area.
OP Outside Polygon: Selects all entities outside a polygonal area; this is the
inverse of the CP (Crossing Polygon) and WP (Window Polygon) options.
PRO Properties: Selects all entities with specific properties, such as area, color,
and layer.
WC Window Circle: Selects all entities within a circular area.
596 APPENDIX

Using additional IntelliCAD commands

Although you can use the AutoCAD command structure with IntelliCAD, the pro-
gram has its own set of commands. IntelliCAD has numerous command names not
found in AutoCAD, although many of these commands have an equivalent function
in AutoCAD. When you type the AutoCAD equivalent, the IntelliCAD alias system
activates the correct command.
For example, the AutoCAD offset command is mapped to the IntelliCAD parallel
command. You can type either offset or parallel in the command bar, or you can
choose Modify > Parallel.
The following table lists optional IntelliCAD command names that you can use in
place of AutoCAD command names to perform the equivalent AutoCAD function.

Command differences in IntelliCAD

IntelliCAD command AutoCAD 2007 command AutoCAD 2000/R14 command Action in IntelliCAD
audionote No equivalent No equivalent Creates and plays audio notes
attached to entities.
cmdbar No equivalent No equivalent Positions the command
window.
coordinate Ctrl+D or F6 Ctrl+D or F6 Changes the display of
coordinates on the status line.
copyedata No equivalent No equivalent Copies extended entity data
from one entity to another.
customize toolbar toolbar Displays the Customize dialog
box.
deledata No equivalent No equivalent Deletes extended entity data
from an entity.
delete erase erase Removes entities from the
drawing.
dimension dim dim Switches to dimension mode.
editedata No equivalent No equivalent Edits extended entity data
found in an entity.
editlen lengthen lengthen Changes the length of open
entities.
editpline pedit pedit Edits polylines and
polymeshes.
entprop ddmodify and ddchprop ddmodify and ddchprop Displays the Entity Properties
dialog box.
esnap -osnap -osnap Sets entity snaps from the
command line.
expblocks ddinsert ddinsert Displays the IntelliCAD
Explorer - Blocks.
 APPENDIX 597

Command differences in IntelliCAD (continued)

IntelliCAD command AutoCAD 2007 command AutoCAD 2000/R14 command Action in IntelliCAD
expdimstyles ddim ddim Displays the IntelliCAD
Explorer - Dimension Styles.
expfonts style style Displays the IntelliCAD
Explorer - Styles.
explayers layer layer Displays the IntelliCAD
Explorer - Layers.
explorer ddrename ddrename Displays the IntelliCAD
Explorer.
expltypes linetype linetype Displays the IntelliCAD
Explorer - Linetypes.
expucs dducs dducs Displays the IntelliCAD
Explorer - UCS.
expviews ddview ddview Displays the IntelliCAD
Explorer - Views.
face 3dface 3dface Draws three-dimensional faces
with three or four vertices.
flatten No equivalent No equivalent Sets thickness to zero at user-
specified elevation.
font -style -style Displays the Text Style dialog
box.
freehand sketch sketch Allows freehand sketching.
idpoint id id Returns the x-, y-, and z-
coordinates of a picked point.
infline xline xline Draws a line of infinite length.
join pedit join pedit join Joins lines and arcs.
mesh 3dmesh 3dmesh Draws a surface mesh.
moveedata No equivalent No equivalent Moves extended entity data
from one entity to another.
msnapshot mslide mslide Makes an SLD, EMF, or WMF
file of the current view.
orthogonal ortho ortho Toggles orthogonal mode.
parallel offset offset Copies an entity by a parallel
offset distance.
plane solid solid Draws a two-dimensional solid
plane.
pmthist F2 F2 Switches between the Prompt
History window and the
graphics screen.
polyline pline pline Draws a polyline.
ppreview preview preview Previews the print.
print plot plot Prints the drawing.
598 APPENDIX

Command differences in IntelliCAD (continued)

IntelliCAD command AutoCAD 2007 command AutoCAD 2000/R14 command Action in IntelliCAD
printstyle plotstyle printstyle (not applicable before Assigns a print style.
AutoCAD 2000)
psetup No equivalent No equivalent Displays the Print Setup dialog
box.
qprint No equivalent No equivalent Quickly prints the current
viewport (window) with no
options.
reassocapp No equivalent No equivalent Reassociates extended entity
data with an application.
recscript No equivalent No equivalent Starts the Script Recorder.
rtrot 3dorbit No equivalent Rotates the view of entities.
rtrotx No equivalent No equivalent Rotates the view of entities
while maintaining the x-axis.
rtroty No equivalent No equivalent Rotates the view of entities
while maintaining the y-axis.
rtrotz 3dorbit No equivalent Rotates the view of entities
while maintaining the z-axis.
saveall No equivalent No equivalent Saves all currently open
drawings.
setcolor color ddcolor Displays the Color dialog box.
setdim ddim ddim Displays the Dimension Styles
dialog box.
setesnap osnap osnap Displays the Drawing Settings
dialog box with the Coordinate
Input tab displayed.
setlayer ai_molc ai_molc Sets the current layer based
on the selected entity’s layer.
settings No equivalent No equivalent Displays the Drawing Settings
dialog box.
setucs dducs dducs Displays the User Coordinate
Systems dialog box.
setvpoint No equivalent No equivalent Displays the Preset Viewpoints
dialog box.
stopscript No equivalent No equivalent Stops running the script.
tipofday No equivalent No equivalent Displays the Tip of the Day.
undelete oops oops Restores the last deleted
entity.
vba vbaide vbaide Opens the Visual Basic
Applications editor.
 APPENDIX 599

Command differences in IntelliCAD (continued)

IntelliCAD command AutoCAD 2007 command AutoCAD 2000/R14 command Action in IntelliCAD
viewctl ddvpoint ddvpoint Sets the three-dimensional
viewing direction via an
interactive dialog box.
viewpoint vpoint vpoint Sets the three-dimensional
viewing direction via the
command line.
vsnapshot vslide vslide Displays an SLD, EMF, or
WMF file in the current
viewport.

Recognizing subtle command differences

The commands listed below function slightly differently in IntelliCAD than in Auto-
CAD.

Command function differences

IntelliCAD AutoCAD
command command Function in IntelliCAD
cal cal Displays the Windows calculator.
pan -pan Performs a vector pan instead of a real-time pan.
zoom -zoom Performs a stepped zoom instead of a real-time zoom.
600 APPENDIX

Identifying unsupported commands and features

A few AutoCAD commands and features are not supported in this release of Intelli-
CAD, as shown in the following table.

AutoCAD commands not supported by IntelliCAD

2008 Features: Annotation property, Multi-line Attributes, DGN Support,
Ribbon, Info Center.

Commands: annoupdate, annoreset, attipedit, autopublish,

dataextraction, datalink, datalinkupdate, dimbreak, diminspect,
dimjogline, dimspace, dwflayers, freeweb, freespot, +layer, layerstate,
mleader and mleader-related commands, objectscale, quickcui,
recoverall, renderexposure, setbylayer, targetpoint, tpnavigate, and
weblight.
2007 Features: Materials property, Shadow property

Commands: camera, helix, light, loft, planar, and sweep

2005 Features: Zoom to Selection, Layer States, Tables, Fields, Trimming
Hatches, and Sheet Set Manager

Commands: archive, assistclose, field, markup, netload,

newsheetset, opendwfmarkup, sheetset, table and -table, tableedit,
tableexport, tablestyle, taskbar, texttofront, tinsert, updatefield,
viewplotdetails, vpmax, and vpmin
2004 Features: Gradient Fills, Ctrl + O Clean Screen, Error Reporting,
Reference Manager, External Reference Notification, Background
Printing, and Miscellaneous Print Style Features (Dithering,
Grayscale, Screening, Adaptive, Line End Styles, Line Join Styles, Fill
Styles)

Commands: 3dorbitctl, jpgout, layout, pngout, publish, qnew,

revcloud, tifout, toolpalettes, and xopen
2002 Features: Today window

Commands: attext, and eattext

2000 Features: Parallel Entity Snap, Viewports with UCS and Elevation
Settings, AutoTrack, True Color Raster Output

Commands: 3dclip, 3dcorbit, 3ddistance, 3dswivel, 3dzoom,

blockicon, camera, copybase, dbclose, dbconnect, dwgprops,
adcclose, adcenter, adcnavigate, find, layoutwizard, model, olescale,
pagesetup, partialload, partialopen, pasteblock, pasteorig, pcinwizard,
plottermanager, psetupin, qleader, qselect, vports, shademode,
ucsman, vbaman, vlisp, and whohas
R14 Features: Tracking Points and Command Bar File Open

Commands: xbind, rectang, and qdim

R13 Commands: arx, copylink, dsviewer, dxbin, edge, mledit,
treestat, and wmfopts
 APPENDIX 601

AutoCAD commands not supported by IntelliCAD

Advanced ACIS commands (solids modeling): ameconvert, soldraw, solprof,
AutoCAD solview, and stlout
modules
ASE commands (AutoCAD SQL extension): aseadmin, aseexport,
aselinks, aserows, aseselect, and asesqled
Internet commands: listurl, openurl, saveurl, and selecturl
Landscape commands: lsedit, lslib, and lsnew
PostScript commands: psdrag, psfill, psin, and psout
Render commands: fog, matlib, replay, saveimg, scene, setuv,
showmat, stats, transparency, 3dsin, and 3dsout

Identifying what does not display

When a drawing containing AutoCAD proxy entities is loaded into IntelliCAD, the
program displays the following message: “This drawing contains one or more entities
that will not display. These entities WILL be stored and saved back into the draw-
ing.”
The following table identifies which AutoCAD objects are not displayed in
IntelliCAD.

AutoCAD objects not displayed in IntelliCAD

AutoCAD object Description
Arc aligned text Text that is aligned along the curve of an arc.
Camera Point at which a camera is inserted into a drawing.
Light Point at which a light is inserted into a drawing.
Read text Dynamically linked text that displays in a drawing but resides in an
external file.
Tables Tables display as anonymous blocks but cannot be edited.

Select all proxies in a drawing.

Type select, choose Filter, then choose Proxy.
602 APPENDIX

Supporting AutoCAD customization

The following table lists and describes the ways IntelliCAD supports the AutoCAD
customization files.

IntelliCAD support of AutoCAD customization files

File extension Description
LIN Supported: Linetypes and complex linetypes with text and shapes.
MNU and MNS Supported: Toolbar and menu macros.
Supported: ***POP0, ***POPn, and ***TOOLBAR sections.
Not supported: ***TABLET, ***BUTTONS, ***SCREEN, ***AUX, and ***ICON
sections.
MIN Not supported: The multiline definition file is used by the AutoCAD mline
command.
PAT Supported: Hatch patterns.
PGP Supported: Command aliases.
Not supported: External commands.
PSF Not supported: PostScript fill pattern file is used by the AutoCAD psfill
command.
SHP and SHX Supported: Text fonts and shapes.
SLD Supported: Slide files.
UNT Supported: Unit translation file used by the LISP (cvunit) and SDS sds_cvunit
functions to translate values from one unit of measurement to another.

Understanding menu compatibility

MNU files are menu files created by all AutoCAD releases, and MNS files are
included in AutoCAD Releases 13, 14, and 2000. IntelliCAD reads both file formats,
even when menu macros include AutoLISP code. This feature allows you to continue
using your existing AutoCAD menus

IntelliCAD support of specific sections in AutoCAD MNU and MNS files

Menu section Definition IntelliCAD support
***POP0 Cursor menu Supported
***POPn Pull-down menus Supported
***AUXn Auxiliary menus Not supported
***BUTTONn Button menus Not supported
***ICON Icon menus Not supported
***SCREEN Screen menus Not supported
***TABLETn Tablet menus Not supported
 APPENDIX 603

Importing and exporting customization files

You can continue using aliases and menu files from AutoCAD by importing the
appropriate file. You can import AutoCAD customization files and export IntelliCAD
formats using the Customize dialog box. All of the files listed in the following table
are in ASCII format, which means you can view and edit them with a text editor, such
as Notepad.

Customizing files
Customization Import file formats Export file formats
Aliases PGP: AutoCAD aliases PGP: AutoCAD aliases
ICA: IntelliCAD aliases
ICA: IntelliCAD aliases
Keyboard ICK: IntelliCAD keyboard ICK: IntelliCAD keyboard
Menus MNU: All AutoCAD menus ICM: IntelliCAD menu
MNS: AutoCAD R13, R14 and 2000
menus
ICM: IntelliCAD menu
Toolbars MNU: All AutoCAD menus None

TIP You can manually add toolbar customizations to a MNU file. For more informa-
tion, see “Customizing toolbars” on page 556.
604 APPENDIX

Programming IntelliCAD
IntelliCAD supports more AutoCAD application programming interfaces (APIs) than
any other software, but not all of the AutoCAD APIs are available in IntelliCAD. The
following table summarizes the AutoCAD APIs IntelliCAD supports.

IntelliCAD support of the AutoCAD programming interface

AutoCAD programming interface IntelliCAD support
Scripts (SCR files) Supported
AutoLISP (LSP files) Supported
Dialog Control Language (DCL files) Supported
AutoCAD Development System (ADS) Supported; source code must be
recompiled
Visual Basic Applications (VBA) Supported, depending on your version
of IntelliCAD
Direct Interactively Evaluated String Expression Supported
Language (Diesel)
AutoCAD SQL Interface (ASI) Not supported
Autodesk® Threaded Language Application System Not needed
Toolkit (Atlast)
AutoCAD Runtime Extension (ARx) Not supported

Understanding AutoLISP compatibility

IntelliCAD adds LISP functionality that you will find useful. The following table lists
functions that are unique to IntelliCAD LISP.

Additional IntelliCAD LISP functions

Unique LISP function Definition
(log10) Returns log base 10.
(lpad) Pads a text string with spaces to the left.
(rpad) Pads a text string with spaces to the right.
(tan) Returns the tangent.
(trim) Trims spaces from a string.
 APPENDIX 605

Not all IntelliCAD LISP functions are completely compatible with AutoLISP func-
tions. The following table identifies IntelliCAD LISP functions that are partially
compatible with AutoLISP functions.

Partially compatible LISP functions

LISP function Description
(menucmd) Supports P0 (cursor menu), P1 through P16 (the pull-down menus),
and M (diesel expressions), but does not support A (aux menus), B
(button menus), I (icon menus), S (screen menu), or T (tablet menus).
(print1) Does not support Unicode characters, such as \U+00B0 (the degree
symbol) and M+Nxxxx (multi-byte Unicode sequences).
(ssget) and (ssadd) Supports additional selection modes:
CC = Crossing Circle
O = Outside
OC = Outside Circle
OP = Outside Polygon
PO = POint
PRO = Properties

In addition, IntelliCAD LISP does not support all AutoLISP functions. The following
areas are not supported by IntelliCAD LISP:
• (acdimenableupdate), (acet-attsync), (acet-layerpmode), (acet-layerp-mark),
(acet-laytrans), (acet-ms-to-ps), (acet-ps-to-ms), (defun-q), (defun-q-list-ref),
(defun-q-list-set), (entmakex), (initdia), (namedobjdict), (ssnamex), and (tablet)
• ARX-related functions that run ARX applications
• (dict)-related functions
• (vl)-related functions for Visual LISP
• SQL-related functions that link AutoCAD entities with external database records.
These functions start with ase_, for example, (ase_lsunite) and (ase_docmp)
606 APPENDIX

IntelliCAD and AutoCAD list of terms

List of terms
IntelliCAD term Meaning for AutoCAD users
command bar command prompt area
edit length lengthen
entity object
entity snap object snap
entity snap precision aperture
fixed attribute constant attribute
follow continue
freehand sketch
hidden attribute invisible attribute
infinite line XLine
insert draw
orthogonal ortho
parallel offset
plane solid (2D)
predefined attribute preset attribute
print plot
print style plot style
prompt box context menu
Prompt History window text screen
reference grid grid
point snap node snap
snapshot slide (SLD)
validate attribute verify attribute
 Glossary

2D Two-dimensional locations defined by x- and y-coordinates.

3D Three-dimensional locations defined by x-, y-, and z-coordinates.
3D solids Three-dimensional ACIS entity.

absolute coordinates Coordinates defined in relation to the origin point of the cur-
rent user coordinate system. See also coordinate system, coordinates, origin, rela-
tive coordinates, user coordinate system, and World Coordinate System.
ActiveX A mechanism for exchanging information between different programs
whereby a copy of a source document is embedded or a pointer to a source document
is linked to a target document. See also embed and link.
acute angles Angles of fewer than 90 degrees.
alias An abbreviation or alternative word for an IntelliCAD command.
aligned dimension A dimension aligned parallel to an entity or measuring the dis-
tance between two points at any angle.
angle The difference in direction between two nonparallel linear entities, measured
in degrees or radians.
angular dimension A dimension measuring the angle between two lines or sub-
tended by an arc.
angular unit The unit of measurement for angles. Angular units can be measured in
decimal degrees, degrees/minutes/seconds, grads, and radians.
annotation Any text, dimensions, tolerances, or notes added to a drawing.
ANSI Acronym for American National Standards Institute. In the context of text, a
standard character set defined by ANSI used in computer-aided drafting.
arc A segment of a circle or ellipse.
area Measurement of a planar region or the calculated space within an entity.
array Multiple copies of selected entities in a circular or rectangular pattern.
ASCII Acronym for American Standard Code for Information Interchange, a com-
monly used system for assigning numbers to printable alphanumeric characters,
punctuation, and symbols.
608 GLOSSARY

attribute A component of a block containing specific text or numeric information.

You can copy the information contained in an attribute from the drawing to an exter-
nal database.
attribute definition An entity composed of a name, prompt for information, display
characteristics, and default text that, when incorporated into a block, creates an attri-
bute when the block is inserted into a drawing.
attribute name Text that identifies an attribute within a block.
attribute text The text containing an attribute’s information within a block.

B-spline curve See spline.

base point A point on an entity that serves as its reference or insertion point. A
point of reference when specifying relative distances.
baseline The line on which text characters appear to sit. The descenders of individ-
ual characters drop below the baseline.
baseline dimension Multiple parallel dimensions measured from the same baseline
origin.
bind To convert an externally referenced drawing into a standard block definition.
blips Temporary screen markers displayed in a drawing when you select a point.
Also called marker blips.
block One or more entities grouped together to create a single entity. See also
nested block.
block definition The name, base point, and entities grouped together when creating
a block.
boundary polyline A selected area bounded by a single closed entity or by multiple
entities that intersect.
BYBLOCK A property whereby an entity inherits the color, linetype, lineweight, or
print style of any block that contains it.
BYLAYER A property whereby an entity inherits the color, linetype, lineweight, or
print style of its associated layer.

CAD Acronym for computer-aided design.

Cartesian coordinates Coordinates defined using three perpendicular axes (x, y,
and z) to define locations in three-dimensional space. See also cylindrical coordi-
nates, polar coordinates, and spherical coordinates.
center line A line used to indicate the center of a circle or an arc, usually consisting
of a center mark and lines extending slightly beyond the diameter of the circle or the
arc.
center mark A cross marking the center of a circle or an arc.
 GLOSSARY 609

chamfer A beveled edge between two lines.

chord A line connecting two points on a circle or an arc.
circumference The measurement of the distance around a circle.
closed A condition whereby the start point and endpoint of an entity are the same.
color-dependent print style table A collection of print styles that determine how
entities print according to their assigned color. See print style table.
comma-delimited Data that is separated by a comma to represent the end of a field.
command bar A dockable window in which you type IntelliCAD commands and
view prompts and other program messages.
cone A three-dimensional entity where a vertex exists above or below the circular
shape and where a surface has been applied between the vertex and the circular shape.
contiguous Connected, unbroken, or uninterrupted. Entities that share the same
endpoint.
continued dimension A dimension measured from the previous extension line of
an existing dimension, resulting in two or more dimensions positioned end to end.
control point A point used to define a spline.
Coons patch A surface interpolated among three or four boundary curves.
coordinate filter A function that extracts individual x-, y-, and z-coordinate values
from different points to create a new composite point.
coordinate system A system of points that represents the drawing space in relation
to an origin (0,0,0) and a set of axes that intersect at the origin. In two dimensions, the
x- and y-axes represent horizontal and vertical directions, respectively. In three
dimensions, the z-axis represents locations above and below the two-dimensional xy
plane. Locations in the drawing can be represented using two-dimensional and three-
dimensional rectangular (Cartesian) coordinates, two-dimensional polar coordinates,
three-dimensional polar (cylindrical) coordinates, and three-dimensional spherical
coordinates. See also polar coordinates, relative coordinates, spherical coordi-
nates, user coordinate system, and World Coordinate System.
coordinates A set of values that determines a location in two-dimensional or three-
dimensional space. See also absolute coordinates, Cartesian coordinates, polar
coordinates, relative coordinates, and spherical coordinates.
coplanar Lying within the same plane.
crosshairs A cursor that consists of two or three lines that intersect at the cursor
location.
crosshatch To fill an area with a pattern of evenly spaced perpendicular lines. See
also hatch.
610 GLOSSARY

crossing circle An entity-selection method that selects entities contained within or

crossing the boundary of a circular selection window.
crossing polygon An entity-selection method that selects entities contained within
or crossing the boundary of a polygon selection window.
crossing window An entity-selection method that selects entities contained within
or crossing the boundary of a rectangular selection window.
cube A boxed, three-dimensional, geometric shape where length, width, and height
are equal.
cursor The insertion-point symbol on the screen. The appearance of the cursor
changes based on the current task.
curve A smooth, continuous path made up of linear and arc segments. Curve types
include arcs, splines, circles, and ellipses.
cylindrical coordinates Coordinates describing a point in three-dimensional space
based on its distance from the origin, its angle in the xy plane, and its z-coordinate
value. See also polar coordinates and spherical coordinates.

datum-line dimensioning See ordinate dimension.

default An initial or predefined setting.
detach To remove an external reference from a drawing. See also external refer-
ence.
diameter The distance across a circle or sphere.
digitizer tablet A hardware input device that incorporates an electronic pad and a
hand-held pointer similar to a mouse. A digitizer tablet serves two purposes: (1) You
can select tools from paper representations attached to the pad (called an overlay),
providing access to all tools at once while freeing your screen space; and (2) you can
input digital points into the computer that correspond to points on a paper drawing,
photograph, or blueprint attached to the pad.
dimension A measurement, as in height or width. In the context of drafting, a set of
lines, arrowheads, and text used to indicate a measurement.
dimension style A named group of dimension variable settings that determines the
appearance of the dimension. You can save multiple dimension styles for reuse.
dimension text The measurement value. Dimension text can include prefixes, suf-
fixes, tolerances, and other annotations.
dimension text rotation The angle in degrees between the x-axis and the dimen-
sion text baseline.
dimension tolerance A value specifying the allowed variation of a dimension (+ or
– n).
dish The lower half of a sphere. See also dome.
 GLOSSARY 611

displacement point The point to which a base, or reference, point will be relocated
when moving or copying entities.
distance The measure of space between two points.
dock To position a toolbar or the command bar at the edge of the drawing window,
where it locks into place. See also float.
dome The upper half of a sphere. See also dish.
donut A filled circle or flat ring created as a polyline.
drawing extents See extents.
drawing limits See limits.
drawing unit The linear measurement system used in a drawing. The user deter-
mines what a drawing unit represents, such as one inch, one centimeter, one foot, or
one meter.
DWF Acronym for Autodesk Design Web Format, a file format for viewing two-
dimensional or three-dimensional drawings in a Web browser and distributing for
review using free Autodesk® software and tools.
.dwg A standard file extension used by CAD programs to store drawing files of the
DWG format.
.dwt A standard format used by CAD programs to store drawing templates, which
are drawings that contain predefined settings that you can use when creating a new
drawing. See also template.
DXF Acronym for Drawing Exchange Format, a standard ASCII or binary file for-
mat for importing and exporting files between most CAD programs.

elevation The z value measured from the xy plane. Positive values are above the xy
plane; negative values are below the xy plane.
embed A technique for exchanging information between different programs
whereby a copy of the source document is stored in the target document. See also
ActiveX and link.
EMF Acronym for Enhanced Metafile, a file format with the type and extension of
.emf. It is a native internal file format of Windows 98. EMF supports both raster and
vector information and 24-bit RGB color. Most Windows-based programs support
this format.
endpoint The point at which a line or curve ends.
entity Any single basic item in a drawing. Entities include arcs, attributes, blocks,
circles, dimensions, ellipses, elliptical arcs, infinite lines, lines, polylines, rays, and
text.
entity data Any of a variety of additional information, such as text, numbers, and
distances, that can be attached to drawing entities.
612 GLOSSARY

entity snap A technique for accurately locating and specifying key geometric points
on entities, such as endpoints and midpoints of lines, and center points and tangents
of arcs and circles.
entity snap override To disable or change an entity snap mode for a single input.
See also entity snap and running entity snap.
Esnap See entity snap.
explode The conversion of a complex entity into its basic entities.
extension lines Lines extending away from an entity being dimensioned so that
you can place the dimension line away from the entity. Also called projection lines.
extents The smallest rectangle that can contain all the entities in a drawing. Infinite
lines and rays do not affect a drawing’s extents. See also limits.
external reference A drawing that is linked to another drawing.
extrude The process of converting a two-dimensional entity into a three-dimen-
sional entity by stretching (extruding) the two-dimensional entity along a straight
path. Changing the thickness of a two-dimensional entity effectively extrudes it along
its z-axis. See also tabulated surface.

face A planar surface defined by three or four points.

fence An entity-selection method that selects entities crossing a multisegmented
line.
fillet An arc that smoothly connects the end of one line to another.
float To position a toolbar or the command bar away from the edges of the drawing
window where it can be moved independently. See also dock.
freeze To suppress the display of, and ignore the entities on, a specified layer when
regenerating a drawing, thus accelerating the display of the drawing. See also thaw.

grid An adjustable, regularly spaced pattern of dots on the screen, used as an aid in
drawing and aligning entities. The grid is not printed.
grip A small square displayed at key positions on an entity when the entity is
selected that can be used to modify the entity by clicking and dragging.

halfwidth The distance from the center of a wide polyline to its edge.
hatch To fill a selected area either with lines, crosshatching, or a hatch pattern. See
also crosshatch.
hatch pattern A pattern, often representing a material such as steel, wood, or sand,
for filling selected areas.
 GLOSSARY 613

hidden-line removal A visualization technique in which all lines that are hidden
behind other entities or surfaces from your viewpoint are clipped or removed, giving
the image the appearance of a solid entity.
horizontal dimension A linear dimension measuring a horizontal distance.

infinite line A line extending infinitely in both directions.

insertion point The point where you place an entity into a particular space. A refer-
ence point by which an entity is inserted in a drawing.
intersection The point where two entities meet or cross.
isometric drawing A drawing aligned with an isometric plane.
isometric plane One of three planes representing the left, right, or top sides of an
implied three-dimensional, orthogonal entity. Snap and grid points are aligned with
the plane to constrain drawings.

layer The computer equivalent of overlays used in manual drafting. A tool by which
drawing components can be organized into related sets, such as plumbing, framing,
and electrical systems of a house, each being drawn on its own layer.
layout Similar to a sheet of paper, a representation of how a drawing will look when
printed.
layout viewport A window in a Layout tab (paper space) that displays all or a por-
tion of a drawing’s model space entities. See also paper space and model space.
leader A line leading from a feature of a drawing to an annotation.
limits The user-defined boundary of a drawing, defined by its lower left and upper
right corner coordinates. See also extents.
limits tolerance Dimension text in which the measured dimension is replaced by
the largest and smallest dimensions allowed, with the upper limit displayed above the
lower limit. See also tolerance and variance tolerance.
linetype The appearance of a line, defined as a solid (continuous) line or as a pattern
of dashes, dots, and blank spaces.
lineweight The width of a line, defined in millimeters or inches.
link A technique for exchanging information between different programs whereby
the target document maintains a pointer to the original source document. Any
changes to the source document are reflected in all target documents containing links
to the source. See also ActiveX and embed.
LISP Acronym for List Processing Language, a computer language invented in the
late 1950s by John McCarthy for use in artificial intelligence. Because it is inter-
preted rather than compiled, and is relatively straightforward, it is a convenient lan-
guage for users to write routines to extend the set of commands and functionality of
IntelliCAD.
614 GLOSSARY

lock Prevents unauthorized access to drawing layers.

M direction In a polygon mesh, the direction from the first to the second row. See
also N direction.
macro In menus and toolbars, several commands grouped together as one. Also
Visual Basic for Applications code.
major axis The longest distance across an ellipse, from one end to the other. See
also minor axis.
marker blips Temporary screen markers displayed in a drawing when you select a
point. Also called blips.
MDI Acronym for multiple-document interface. See multiple-document interface.
mesh A set of connected polygon faces approximating a curved surface.
minor axis The shortest distance across an ellipse, from one side to the other. See
also major axis.
mirror To create a reverse-image copy of selected entities by reflecting the entities
symmetrically about a line or plane.
model space The primary drawing area in which you create entities. See also paper
space.
multiple-document interface The ability to view and work with different drawings
simultaneously.

N direction In a polygon mesh, the direction from the first to the second column.
See also M direction.
named print style table A collection of print styles that determine how entities
print according to the print styles you create and assign to entities and layers. See
print style table.
named view A saved view that can be recalled at a later time by specifying its name.
nested block A block contained as part of the definition of another block. See also
block.
nonassociative hatch A hatch that is not associated with or linked to an entity.

oblique Geometric lines or planes that are not parallel or perpendicular.

offset See parallel.
OLE Acronym for Object Linking and Embedding. See ActiveX.
ordinate dimension A measurement of the horizontal (x-ordinate) or vertical (y-
ordinate) distance from an established reference base point or datum.
 GLOSSARY 615

origin The intersection point of the coordinate system axes. In a Cartesian coordi-
nate system, the origin is the point at which the x-, y-, and z-axes intersect (the 0,0,0
coordinate).
orthogonal Having perpendicular slopes or tangents at the point of intersection.
orthogonal mode (ortho) A drawing mode in which the entity creation is con-
strained to parallel the horizontal and vertical axes relative to the current snap angle.
orthographic projection A drafting technique by which a three-dimensional item
is described in two dimensions by showing it from various directions, most com-
monly front, top, and side views.
outside circle An entity-selection method that selects entities falling completely
outside a circular selection window.
outside polygon An entity-selection method that selects entities falling completely
outside a polygon selection window.
outside window An entity-selection method that selects entities falling completely
outside a rectangular selection window.

pan To shift the displayed view of a drawing without changing the magnification.
See also zoom.
paper space A two-dimensional work area similar to a sheet of paper, in which you
can arrange different views of your model as layout viewports. See also model space.
parallel Two or more coplanar lines that never intersect one another.
parallel dimension See baseline dimension.
PDF Acronym for Portable Document Format. PDF files can be viewed using
Adobe® Acrobat Reader, which is free software that users can download; they can
also be viewed, reviewed, and edited using Adobe® Acrobat.
perimeter The distance around the boundary of an entity.
perpendicular Entities at right angles to one another.
planar Entities whose extents are situated entirely within a plane.
plane Two-dimensional surface.
plan view A view of the drawing from above, looking down the z-axis perpendicular
to the xy plane of the current UCS.
point A location in space specified by its x-, y-, and z-coordinates. A drawing entity
consisting of a single x,y,z-coordinate location and represented by one of several
symbols.
point filter See coordinate filter.
polar array Multiple copies of selected entities in a circular pattern.
616 GLOSSARY

polar coordinates Coordinates describing a two-dimensional point on a two-

dimensional plane based on the point’s distance from the origin and its angle in the
plane. See also Cartesian coordinates, coordinates, cylindrical coordinates, rela-
tive coordinates, and spherical coordinates.
polygon A closed single entity with three or more sides.
polyline A drawing entity composed of one or more connected line or arc segments
treated as a single entity.
print style A collection of settings, including color, pen width, linetype, and line-
weight, that determine how a drawing looks when it is printed. See print style table.
print style table A collection of print styles that you can assign to the Model tab or
to a Layout tab. Print style tables change how a drawing looks when you print it with-
out modifying the actual entities. See print style.
profile File that contains your preferred drawing environment settings.
projection lines See extension lines.
prompt box A list of options displayed when a command or tool provides several
choices.
Prompt History window A window containing a history of the most recent com-
mands and prompts issued since you started the current session of IntelliCAD.

quadrant One-fourth of a circle, arc, or ellipse entity. In the context of entity snaps,
the option that snaps to points on a circle, arc, or ellipse at each quadrant.

radial dimension A dimension that measures the radius of a circle or arc.

radian A unit of angular measurement; 360 degrees equals 6.283185 or 2pi radians.
radius The distance from the center of a circle or sphere to its periphery.
ray A line that starts at a designated point and runs infinitely.
ray tracing A visualization technique in which rays from imaginary light sources
are traced as they refract off the surfaces of a model, determining where shadows fall
and how reflections on shiny materials such as metal and glass appear.
rectangle A four-sided, closed entity whereby opposite sides are equal in length.
rectangular array Multiple copies of selected entities in a rectangular pattern con-
sisting of a specified number of columns and rows.
redo To reverse the effect of previous undo commands. See also undo.
redraw To quickly update or refresh the drawing screen display. See also regener-
ate.
regenerate To update or refresh the drawing screen display by recalculating the
drawing from its database. See also redraw.
 GLOSSARY 617

region A two-dimensional closed, surfaced, planar boundary.

relative coordinates Coordinates expressed in relation to a previous coordinate.
See also absolute coordinates.
render A visualization technique in which all surfaces of a model are shaded as
though they were illuminated from an imaginary light source located behind you as
you face the screen. Rendered images are photo-realistic, having depth, shadow,
reflection, and texture.
revolve Creating a three-dimensional surface entity by rotating a two-dimensional
profile around an axis.
right-hand rule A visual aid for remembering the relative directions of the positive
x-, y-, and z-axes of a Cartesian coordinate system and the positive rotation direction
about an axis.
rotate To change the orientation of an entity, without modifying it, by repositioning
it equidistant from, but at a new angle with respect to, a point or axis.
rotation angle The angle by which an entity is displaced from its original location
when rotating it about a point or axis.
rubber-band line A ghosted image line that stretches dynamically on the screen
with the movement of the cursor. The line extends between a fixed point and the cur-
sor position to provide dynamic feedback.
ruled surface A three-dimensional polygon mesh that approximates a smooth sur-
face between two entities.
running entity snap Setting an entity snap so that it continues for subsequent selec-
tions. See also entity snap and entity snap override.

scale To resize an entity. To draw according to the proportions of an entity.

script A set of commands stored in an ASCII script file and replayed in sequence by
running the script.
SDS Acronym for Solutions Development System, a C programming interface for
developing specialized programs to run inside IntelliCAD.
segment Any part of an entity bounded by two points.
selection set One or more drawing entities selected on which one can operate as a
single unit.
shade To fill planar entities with solid colors for easier visualization.
snap angle The angle around which the snap grid is rotated.
snap grid An invisible grid that locks entity creation to a specified alignment and
snap increment when Snap is enabled.
snap resolution The spacing between points on the snap grid.
618 GLOSSARY

snapshot A raster representation of the current view of one’s drawing.

spherical coordinates Coordinates describing a point in three-dimensional space
based on its distance from the origin, its angle in the xy plane, and its angle up from
the xy plane. See also Cartesian coordinates, coordinates, cylindrical coordinates,
and polar coordinates.
spline A curve generated along the path of three or more control points. The curve
passes through the start point and endpoint, but does not necessarily pass through the
intermediate control points.
status bar The bar at the bottom of the IntelliCAD window that displays informa-
tion about the selected command or tool as well as the cursor coordinates, the name of
the current layer, mode settings, and other information about drawing settings.
surface model A three-dimensional model consisting of both edges and the sur-
faces between those edges. See also wire-frame model.
surface of revolution A three-dimensional polygon mesh that approximates the
surface generated by rotating a two-dimensional profile around an axis.
SVG An acronym for Scalable Vector Graphic, which is a file format for working
with interactive graphics, including a Web development language.
system variable A setting or value that stores operating environment and command
information (such as the drawing limits or global linetype scale factor).

tabulated surface A three-dimensional polygon mesh that approximates the sur-

face generated by extruding a curve along a vector. See also extrude.
tangent A line that passes through a single point on a curve.
template A drawing with preset layers, linetypes, and other settings (and entities)
that can be used as the basis for creating a new drawing. Templates are saved with a
.dwt file extension.
text style A named, saved collection of format settings that determines the appear-
ance of text.
thaw To redisplay a layer that was frozen. See also freeze.
thickness An entity’s depth, as measured along its z-axis. The distance an entity is
extruded above or below its elevation. See also elevation and extrude.
through point In creating a parallel entity, a point through which the new entity
passes.
tolerance Dimension text indicating how much the actual dimension of a manufac-
tured component can vary from the specified dimension. See also limits tolerance
and variance tolerance.
tolerance command A command that creates a feature-control frame used in
mechanical geometric dimensioning and tolerancing.
 GLOSSARY 619

toolbar A collection of tools arranged on a palette that can be moved and resized
anywhere on the screen.
torus A donut-shaped, three-dimensional entity.
transparent command A command started while another command is already
active. You can use a command transparently by preceding it with an apostrophe.
true color Colors defined using 24-bit color. There are more than 16 million true
colors from which you can choose.

UCS Acronym for user coordinate system. See user coordinate system.
UCS icon A user coordinate system icon that shows the orientation of the coordinate
axes, the location of the coordinate system origin, and the viewing direction relative
to the xy plane.
undo To reverse the effect of previous commands. See also redo.
unit See drawing unit.
unlock Free access to layers in a drawing that would be otherwise locked, thus pro-
hibiting them from being viewed or edited by another user.
user coordinate system A Cartesian coordinate system with origins and orienta-
tion defined by the user. See also World Coordinate System.

variance tolerance Dimension text in which a plus/minus value is appended to the

specified dimension to indicate how much the actual dimension of a manufactured
component can vary from the specified dimension. See also limits tolerance and tol-
erance.
VBA Acronym for Visual Basic for Applications, a macro programming language
embedded in programs that allows the user to customize the program.
vector A means of describing a displacement using magnitude and orientation. For
example, you can create a line entity, or move an entity, by specifying an initial point,
a direction, and a distance.
vertex The point of intersection of the sides of an angle. The start points or end-
points of a line or arc segment in a polyline.
vertical dimension A linear dimension measuring a vertical distance.
view A representation of a drawing or portion of a drawing from a specific view-
point in three-dimensional space.
viewpoint A location in three-dimensional space for viewing one’s drafting.
viewport A window that displays all or a portion of a drawing’s model space entities
while in model space on the Model tab. See also model space and paper space.
viewport configuration A named arrangement of windows that can be saved and
restored.
620 GLOSSARY

WCS Acronym for World Coordinate System. See World Coordinate System.
wedge A three-dimensional entity that resembles a box divided along one side from
one corner to the opposite corner; for example, a doorstop or a ramp.
window circle An entity-selection method that selects entities contained entirely
within a circular selection window.
window inside An entity-selection method that selects entities contained entirely
within a rectangular selection window.
window polygon An entity-selection method that selects entities contained entirely
within a polygon selection window.
wipeout An entity that displays with the current background color, so the details
behind it do not display or print.
wire-frame model A three-dimensional model consisting of lines and curves that
define the edges of a three-dimensional entity. See also surface model.
WMF Acronym for Windows metafile, a format containing vector and color informa-
tion to render entities.
World Coordinate System The fixed Cartesian coordinate system used as the basis
for defining other coordinate systems. See also user coordinate system.

xref See external reference.

zoom To increase or decrease the magnification of the display of a drawing. See also
pan.
 Index
Symbols planes 123
- (hyphen characters) 156, 414, 415 point entities 98
_ (underscore characters) 156, 414, 415 polygons 110
, (commas) 172 polylines 104
. (period characters) 173 rays 100
.dwg files rectangles and squares 108
creating 36 splines 118
defined 611 3D Array command or tool (3darray) 480, 481
exporting IntelliCAD files as 511–515 3D DWF files 514
IntelliCAD compatibility with 3 3D Mirror command or tool (mirror3d) 482
opening 37 3D Rotate command or tool 479
saving 85 3D solids 454
.NET applications 583, 588 3-dimensional coordinate systems 171
@ (at symbols) 294 defined 607
& (ampersand character) 547 specifying locations with 170
% (percent signs) 319 3-dimensional drawings
° (degree symbols) 319 compared to isometric 2-dimensional drawings 66
± (plus or minus signs) 319 coordinate system icons 165
< (angle brackets) 169, 171, 172 coordinate systems 164, 170
$ (dollar signs) 156, 414, 415 defined 607
point filters 174
Numerics setting viewpoints 450–454
0 layer 187 snapping to entity intersections 77–78
2D DWF files 514 user coordinate systems 175
2-dimensional drawings wire-frame and surface models 454
2-dimensional coordinate systems 167 3-dimensional entities
coordinate systems 164 3D solids 454
defined 607 See also 3-dimensional entity types; entities
isometric drawings 66 aligning 483
point filters 173 arraying copies of entities 480–481
polar coordinates 169 creating regions 475
2-dimensional entities editing 479–483, 484–494
See also 2-dimensional entity types; entities hiding lines in drawings 494
arraying in columns or rows 281 mirroring 482
extruding to create 3-dimensional entities 454–457 rotating entities 479
2-dimensional entity types shading surfaces 495
arcs 93 thickness and elevation 454–458
circles 91 3-dimensional entity types
donuts 107 boxes 465
ellipses 96 cones 467
elliptical arcs 97 cylinders 470
freehand sketches 103 dishes 472
infinite lines 101 domes 473
lines 90 edge-defined Coons surface patch meshes 464
622

extruded surface meshes 461 defined 607

faces 458 dragging drawings into other applications 511
polyface meshes 460 editing linked or embedded objects 504, 510
pyramids 468 linking drawings to other applications 510
rectangular meshes 459 linking objects to drawings 503–504
regions 475 sharing drawing information and data 12
revolved surface meshes 462–464 acute angles 607
ruled surface meshes 460 Add To Set selection method 260
spheres 470 adding
tori 474, 475 aliases for commands 573
wedges 466 areas of entities 250
wire-frame 494 commands to menus 545, 547, 578
3-Point Arc tool 93 entities to selection sets 260
hyperlinks 516
A keyboard shortcuts for commands 568
absolute coordinates layouts for printing 409
See also coordinate systems; user coordinate sys- space between tools 558
tems (UCS); World Coordinate System (WCS) tools to toolbars 557
defined 607 ADS programs 3, 4, 581
specifying locations with 167, 170 ADT files 39
absolute size of point entities 98 advanced experience level
access keys for commands 547 changing level 3, 26, 521
accuracy aliases for commands
drawing unit display 47 creating 573
IntelliCAD compared to manual drafting 7–8 defined 607
precise point locations with entity snaps 253 deleting 574
ACIS solids importing or exporting 574
boxes 465 redefining 574
combining 477 align command 483
cones 467 Align command or tool (align) 483
cylinders 470 Aligned command or tool (dimaligned) 336
defined 607 aligned dimensions
dishes 472 creating 336
domes 473 defined 607
extruding 475 illustrated 332
intersecting 478 aligning coordinate systems
pyramids 468 with current view 177
regions 475 with entities 175
revolving 476 aligning entities 483
spheres 471 aligning marker blocks on entities 247, 248
subtracting 477 aligning text
tetrahedrons 468 on dimension lines 356
tori 474 options 358
wedges 466 alternate dimension units, controlling 362
acisin command 506 alternate font
acisout command 515 setting the default file 525
ActiveX alternate text editor 327
 623

ambient light 496 arc dimensions 341

American National Standards Institute (ANSI) defined creating 341
607 Arc Start-Center-Angle tool 93
American Standard Code for Information Interchange Arc Start-Center-End tool 94
(ASCII) defined 607 architectural
ampersand characters 547 drawing scale ratios 49
angle brackets 169, 171, 172 drawing units 46
angle drawing method arcs
infinite lines 101 adding lines to 90
rays 100 angle dimensions for 339
angles center marks 334
angle direction and base settings 47 converting donuts into arc entities 122
calculating angle between points 253–254 converting polyline segments to arcs 112
defined 607 converting to circles 92
displaying instead of coordinates 166 defined 607
drawing unit settings 47, 611 diameter dimensions for 342
specifying for arcs 93, 94, 114 direction of 97
specifying for chamfering 304 drawing methods 93
specifying for dimension lines 339 elliptical arcs 97
specifying for grid 65 extending to boundaries 287
specifying for lines 90 joining 294, 300–301
specifying for rotated entities 282–285 measured dimensions for 341
specifying for text styles 219 measuring and marking off intervals 246–249
specifying locations by 169 moving with grips 281
specifying text angle in text styles 222, 231, 232 polyline drawing methods 114
spherical and cylindrical coordinates 171 radius dimensions for 342
zero angle settings 47 Area command or tool (area) 249, 607
Angular command or tool (dimangular) 339 calculating areas 249
angular dimensions 339, 342 ARG files (profiles) 540
creating 339 arranging windows 153
defined 607 See also views and viewports
formatting dimension unit display 360 Array command or tool (array) 281
angular drawing units 607 arraying entities 278, 480, 607
angularity tolerance symbol 364 arrows and arrowheads 333, 354–358
annotations ASCII
adding in paper space 410 AutoCAD files. See DXF files
creating as dimension text 344 defined 607
defined 607 text files 383
ANSI character sets 329 assembling master drawings 386
aperture for entity snaps 71 assigning aliases to commands 572
apostrophes 28 associative dimensions 333
app command modifier 28, 77, 78 at symbol 294
Apparent Intersection Snap command (apparent) 77 Attach Drawing tool (Blocks toolbar) 233
appending scripts 581 attaching
appload command 582, 583, 584 attributes to blocks 382
Arc command (arc) 93 external references 387
Arc command or tool (dimarc) 341 raster images 398
624

attachment points 313 saving drawings 521

See also insertion points automating IntelliCAD functions 521
attributes AutoSave 521
after exploding blocks 295 axes
attaching to blocks 382 in coordinate systems 164, 167
data in 370 in ellipse drawing methods 96
defined 232, 608 in elliptical arc drawing methods 97
definitions 379–382 rotating entities around 479
editing definitions 382
extracting values 383–385 B
fixed or variable values 379 background 496, 497
flags 380 background color 530
invisible data 379 Backgrounds command or tool (backgrounds) 498
names 608 backward text 316
overview 379–381 base 496
snapping to insertion points 75 base points
text 608 See also origin points
updating values for 382 defined 608
visible or hidden 379 for copying entities 274
Audio Note command or tool (audionote) 576, 577, 578 for entities to be moved 281
audio note icon 576 for scaling entities 286
audio notes for stretching entities 285
attaching 575 baseline
deleting 578 of text 608
overview 575 offset in dimensions 352
playing 577 text alignment 318
selecting 576 Baseline command or tool (dimbaseline) 336
Audit command (audit) 39 baseline dimensions
AutoCAD adding to linear dimensions 334
alias files 574 angular baseline dimensions 339
command name compatibility 572 creating 336
exporting IntelliCAD files as AutoCAD files 511– defined 608
515 illustrated 332
font compatibility 220 basing drawings on templates 36–37
importing toolbars from menu files 562 basing layouts on templates 414
IntelliCAD compatibility 3, 593 beginner experience level
loading menu files 545, 550 changing level 3, 26, 521
script files 579 explained 3
AutoCAD Development System programs (ADS) 3, 4, best fit for dimension text and arrows 358
581 beveled edges on entities 304–307
AutoLISP programs 3, 4, 584–585 binding external references 393, 608
automatically bisect drawing method (infinite lines or rays) 100
changing code pages 330 BL notation in extracted attribute file fields 384
loading menus 533 black-and-white
loading profiles 538 printing 437
reloading external references 391 tool icons 558, 561
running scripts 580 blipmode command 160
 625

blips borders on images 402

defined 608 borders on viewports
displaying current settings 255 as available in each view 8
marker blips 160, 614 setting as invisible 417
turning on or off 160 bottom-aligned text 318
block command 371, 377 boundaries
Block command (IntelliCAD Explorer) 235, 239 extending entities to 287–290
Block command or tool (ddinsert) 375 setting for paragraph text 312
block name of layouts 230 trimming or clipping entities to 290–291
Block toolbar 233 xref clipping 394
blocks Box command or tool (box) 465
See also Xref Manager command or tool (xrm) Break command or tool (break) 293
as interval markers 246 breaking entities into pieces
attributes 370–379 exploding blocks 379
Blocks list in IntelliCAD Explorer 232 exploding into components 295
BYBLOCK property 41–43 splitting into two parts 293
clipping 394 brightness of images 400
copying to other drawings 181 B-Spline curves. See splines
creating 235, 370–375 buttons. See toolbars and tools
definitions 379–382 BYBLOCK property
deleting in IntelliCAD Explorer 182 after exploding 295
editing definitions 382 colors 41–42
entity storage in files 386 creating blocks from entities on different layers 370
exploding 295, 375, 379 defined 608
external references 386–396 linetypes 42–43, ??–208, 210–212
inserting 236, 372–373, 375–376 lineweights 44
inserting drawings as 236 print styles 45
insertion points 75, 234–236, 372–373, 375–376 BYLAYER property
instances of 375, 377 colors 198
listing 232 creating blocks from entities on different layers 370
multiple instances of 370, 372, 373 defined 608
names in extracted attribute file fields 383 linetypes 42, 200–219
nesting 370 lineweights 44
number of occurrences 234
overview 232, 370 C
redefining and updating 370, 377 C character
reusing blocks and drawings 11 closing entities 169
rotation angle and scale 373, 375, 376 in extracted attribute file fields 384
saving 370–375 CAD defined 608
saving as drawing files 237, 372, 373 calculating areas 249
search path for files 525 calculations
selection filter 266 area and perimeter 249
snapping to insertion points 75 distances and angles 253–254
BMP files 561 in IntelliCAD and manual drafting 12
bodies scale factors and printed size 49–50
slicing and sectioning 485 callout lines. See leaders in dimensions
borders on drawings 410 Cartesian coordinates
626

See also cylindrical coordinates; polar coordinates; circles

spherical coordinates See also donuts 611
2-dimensional coordinate systems 167 center marks 334
3-dimensional coordinate systems 170 creating from arcs 92
absolute and relative coordinates 167 diameter dimensions 342
defined 608 drawing 120
overview 7 measuring and marking off intervals 246
understanding coordinate systems 164, 166 moving with grips 281
Cascade command 153, 184 radius dimensions 342
CDF files 383 circular
center command 73 arrays of entities. See polar arrays of entities
center lines runout tolerance symbol 364
defined 608 circularity tolerance symbol 364
for circles and arcs 334 circumferences, defined 609
center marks cleaning solids 493
defined 608 Clear Entity Snaps command or tool (none) 70, 78
for circles and arcs 334 Clipboard
formatting 352–356 copying entities into other drawings 275
center points of entities embedding objects into drawings 502
arcs 114 embedding objects into other applications 511
circles 91 linking drawings into other applications 510
dishes 472 clipping
domes 473 entities 290
ellipses 96 external references 394
elliptical arcs 97 layout viewports 420
polygons 110 raster images 403
snapping to 70, 72, 73 closed (entities), defined 609
spheres 470 closing
center points of views 150 polylines 112, 299
Center Snap command (center) 73 prompt boxes 25
center-aligned text 318 splines 120
Center-Diameter circle method 91 coaxiality tolerance symbol 364
Center-Radius circle method 91 codepage command 330
chain dimensions. See continued dimensions color books
Chamfer command or tool (chamfer) 307 creating 57, 60
character sets for text display 329 current entity color 41
character string fields in extracted attribute file fields 384 loading 61
check spelling 323 selecting a color 56
checking Color dialog box 53, 55, 56
damaged files 39 color-dependent print style tables
damaged files when opening 523 changing a drawing’s table type 441
solids 494 comparing with named tables 434
chords in arcs 93, 114, 609 converting to named 442
Circle Center-Radius tool 91 copying, renaming, deleting 441
Circle command (circle) 91 creating 437
circle diameter symbol 319 default settings 540
Circle Radius-Tangent tool 92 defined 433
 627

modifying 438 experience levels 521, 549

colors information in status bar 24
applying shading 495–498 keyboard shortcuts for 30, 569–572
changing in entity properties 271 loading custom programs 584
color books 56 modifying commands 28
creating blocks from entities on different layers 370 mouse shortcuts for 29
current settings 255 nesting several commands 28
default layer color 186 prompt boxes 25
dimension lines 352 renaming 548
dimension text 357 repeating 27
displaying information about entities 254 Script Recorder 31
grip color 271 starting 27
index colors 53 tracking history 28, 528
layer settings 184, 198–200 commenting
mapping during printing 433 scripts 579
multiline text 313 company names on printouts 540
overriding layer color 199 complex entities
print styles 438 See also types of entities (polylines; rectangles; do-
selecting entities by color 261 nuts; and so on)
solid faces 491 defined 107
working with 53 exploding into components 295
columns of entities. See arraying entities; rectangular ar- complex hatch patterns 130
rays of entities complex linetypes (IntelliCAD Explorer) 215
combining entities composite solids 477
chamfering and filleting 304 composite tolerances 363, 365
finding area of combined entities 250–253 compressing or expanding text 316, 319
joining 294, 300 concentric entities. See donuts; tori
lines and arcs in polylines 113 concentricity tolerance symbol 364
solids 477 Cone command or tool (cone) 467
combining zooming and panning actions 150 cones 467, 609
Comma Delimited Format files 383, 609 config command 521
command bar configuring
Command Bar command 23 code pages 330
defined 609 IntelliCAD 519
displaying or hiding 23 layouts 409
moving 22, 23 print settings 422
navigating with arrow keys 528 connecting entities
starting commands with 27 chamfering and filleting 304
command strings for keyboard shortcuts 569–570 joining 294, 300
commands constraining drawing
active commands 26 to drawing limits 52
adding to menus 547 to right angles 67, 68
aliases 572–579 construction lines. See infinite lines
AutoCAD command name compatibility 572 construction planes. See user coordinate systems (UCS)
deleting from menus 548 contiguous (entities), defined 609
displaying shortcut menus 22 Continue command or tool (dimcontinue) 337
ending 26 continued dimensions
628
adding to linear dimensions 334
angular continued dimensions 339
creating 339
defined 609
illustrated 332
CONTINUOUS linetype 42, 44, 210
contrast of images 400
control codes for text 319
control points 119, 609
convertctb command 443
converting
2-dimensional entities to three dimensions 454
code pages 330
color-dependent print style tables 442
donut sides to arc entities 122
drawing’s print style table type 441
entities into components 295
entities to other linetypes before deleting 182
entities to other text styles before deleting 182
entities to polylines 298
plane sides to line entities 124
polygon sides to line entities 112
polyline segments to curves 300
polyline segments to entities 112
rectangle sides to line entities 108
converting arcs to circles 92
convertpstyles command 441, 442
Coons Surface command or tool (edgesurf) 464
Coons surface patch meshes 464, 609
coordinate filters (point filters) 173, 609
coordinate systems
2-dimensional coordinate systems 167
3-dimensional coordinate systems 170
absolute and relative coordinates 167
Cartesian coordinates 7, 164, 167, 608
copying to use in other drawings 181
cylindrical coordinates 172, 610
defined 609
deleting in IntelliCAD Explorer 182
icons for 165
listing 223–224
point filters 173, 175
polar coordinates 166, 169, 616
preset user coordinate systems 176
right-hand rule 170
spherical coordinates 171, 618
user coordinate systems 165, 175, 419
World Coordinate System 165, 177, 223, 453, 620
Coordinate Systems list in IntelliCAD Explorer 176, 223
coordinates
See also coordinate systems
defined 609
displaying for entities 254
finding point coordinates 167
in ordinate dimensions 343
of drawing limits 52
viewpoints in three-dimensional drawings 450
coplanar (entities), defined 609
Copy command or tool (copy or copyclip) 274–277
Copy command or tool (IntelliCAD Explorer) 181–182
copyclip command 275
copying
layers to other drawings 182
layouts 414
print style tables 441
profiles 539
settings to other drawings 181
solid faces 490
supported formats 544
text in Prompt History window 29
copying drawings
dragging into other applications 511
with external references for distribution 393
copying entities 273–281
arrays of entities 278, 480–481
mirroring entities 278, 482
parallel copies 277–278
to other drawings 156, 275
to other spaces 276, 282
copying objects
embedding IntelliCAD data into other applications
508–510
embedding objects into drawings 501
linking drawings to other applications 510
linking objects to drawings 503
corner points
of planes 123
of rectangles 108
correcting mistakes 32
Create Block command or tool (block) 371, 377
Create Snapshot dialog box 500
creating
audio notes 575
blocks 236
 629

color books 57, 60 magnifying glass cursor 147

files in different formats 511 curves. See also arcs; circles; ellipses; splines
hyperlinks 516 curving polyline segments 300
layout viewports 416 Customize command (customize)
print style tables 437 customizing aliases 572–579
printed drawings 407 customizing keyboard shortcuts 568–572
profiles 536 customizing menus 545–556
cropping customizing toolbars and tools 556, 568
entities (trimming) 290, 304–307 Customize dialog box
external references 394 Aliases tab 572
raster images 403 Keyboard tab 568–572
crosshairs Menus tab ??–556
defined 609 Toolbars tab 556–568
entity snap target box 70 customizing
crosshatching 130, 609 IntelliCAD 32
See also hatch patterns and hatching text editor 327
Crossing Circle selection method 261, 610 customizing IntelliCAD options
Crossing Polygon selection method 261, 285, 610 aliases 572–579
Crossing Window selection method 261, 262, 285, 610 coordinate systems 175
CTB files hatch patterns 131
assigning 436 keyboard shortcuts 568–572
changing a drawing’s table type 441 menus 545–555
compared with STB files 434 print settings 422
converting to STB files 442 program settings 520–545
creating 437 running custom programs 581–585
default settings 540 scripts for 579, 581
defined 433 templates 36
modifying 438 toolbars and tools 22, 556
cubes 465, 610 Cut command or tool (cutclip) 275, 276, 282
current editing session timer 256 cutting entities
current settings moving to other drawings 156
layers 195 pasting in other drawings 275
linetypes 211 Cylinder command or tool (cylinder) 470
lineweights 44 cylinders 298, 470
loading profiles 538 cylindrical coordinates 172, 610
print styles 45 See also polar coordinates; spherical coordinates
text styles 222 167
three-dimensional elevation and thickness 456
tools 181 D
user coordinate systems 225 data
Current tool (IntelliCAD Explorer) 222, 225 attaching to blocks. See attributes
cursors attaching to drawings 12
coordinate information in status bar 24 data fields for extracted attribute files 383–385
current position in coordinate systems 166 databases
defined 610 for drawing data 142
entity snap cursor decoration 543 using information in drawings 12
fly-over snap cursors 80, 543 dates
630

date stamps on printouts 540 aliases 574

tracking time spent on drawings 256 audio notes 578
ddattdef command 380 clipping boundary 395, 403
ddatte command 382 commands from menus 548
ddattext command 384 dimension styles 351, 352
ddedit command 320, 323, 382 elements in IntelliCAD Explorer 182–183
ddgrips command 271 entities 273
ddinsert command 375 external references 390
decimal freehand sketches 104
degrees in angular units 47 hyperlinks 517
drawing units 47 images 406
decurving polyline segments 300 keyboard shortcuts 570
default profile 538 layouts 415
defaults lines in 3-dimensional entities 494–496
arc direction 97 page setups 425
code pages 329 print style tables 441
colors 186 profiles 539
defined 610 segments of polylines 112
drawing environment (profiles) 538 solid faces 489
elevation 454 xref clipping 396
entity colors 41 delta distances, calculating 253
icad.dwt template 21 density of mesh surfaces 461, 462, 463, 464
layers 182 descenders on text characters 318
linetypes 42, 186, 200 deselecting entities 270
lineweights 44, 161, 201 Design Web Format
print style table settings 540 exporting 505, 507, 514
print styles 45, 203 importing 505, 507
text styles 316 opening files 37
thickness 454 detaching external references 610
values for attributes 379 See also Xref Manager command or tool (xrm)
Define Attributes Details tool (Block toolbar) 233
command or tool (ddattdef) 380 Diameter command or tool (dimdiameter) 342
dialog box 380 diameter dimensions
defining creating 342
complex linetypes 215–218 defined 610
dimension styles 350 illustrated 332
keyboard shortcuts 569 diameters
linetypes 205–??, 213–219 circles 342
lineweights 44, 161 donuts 121
print settings 422 DIESEL programs 588
text styles 220 dimaligned command 336
user coordinate systems 175, 224 dimangular command 339
definition points 334 dimarc command 341
degree symbols 319 dimbaseline command 336
Delete command or tool (delete) 273 dimcontinue command 337
Delete command or tool (IntelliCAD Explorer) 183 dimdiameter command 342
deleting dimedit command
 631

obliquing dimensions 347 creating or deleting styles 350

replacing dimension text with new text 349 diameter dimensions 342
restoring dimension text to home position 349 dimension styles defined 332, 350–364
rotating dimension text 348 dimension variables 350, 610
dimension lines 356 dimensions defined 610
See also dimension text; dimensions and dimension extension lines 333
styles; extension line in paper space 345
aligning text on 356 leaders and annotations 334, 344
defined 332, 610 line colors 352
Dimension Style command 350 line formats 352
Dimension Styles (IntelliCAD Explorer) 241 linear dimensions 334–339
Dimension Styles command or tool (setdim) obliquing 347
arrows and arrowheads 354, 359 ordinate dimensions 343
baseline dimension offset 337 overview 332–334
creating, renaming, or deleting dimension styles 350 radius dimensions 342
dimension line colors 352 renaming styles 351
formatting and positioning dimension text 356, 358 types of dimensions 332
rounding off numbers 360 units and rounding 360–364
Dimension Styles dialog box dimleader command 344
Arrows tab 354–358 dimlinear command 335
Format tab 358 dimordinate command 343
Lines tab 352 dimradius command 342
Text tab 356 dimtedit command 348
Units tab 360–364 directory paths for files 525
dimension text Dish command or tool (dish) 472, 610
aligning on lines 356 disk space requirements for IntelliCAD 20
defined 347, 610 displacement points
formatting and positioning text 349, 352, 356, 358– defined 611
360 for copying entities 274
overview 333 for moving entities 281
replacing dimension text with new text 349 for stretching entities 285
restoring dimension text to home position 349 displaying
dimension tolerance audio note icons 576
controlling 367 command bar 23
dimension units, alternate 362 drawing information 254
dimensions embedded files as icons 502
associative 333 entire drawings 151
exploded 333 layers 195–197
non-associative 333 lineweights 161
dimensions and dimension styles lists of text styles 317
See also dimension text memory-intensive display elements 158
aligned dimensions 336 Model and Layout tabs 413, 529
angular dimensions 339–341, ??–342 multiple views of drawings. See also views and
arc dimensions 341–?? viewports 153
arrows and arrowheads 354 online Help 33
baseline dimensions 336 point entities 98
creating dimensions 334–347 Prompt History window 28
632

reference grid 62 drawings into other applications 511

rotated views 145 moving entities with grips 281
scroll bars 529 new tools to toolbars 557
shortcut menus 22 Draw 2D toolbar 22
snapshots 501 Draw Freehand tool 103
text 329 Draw Order command or tool (draworder) 284
text as boxes 158 Draw Orthogonal tool 67, 68
toolbars 22 Draw Point command (point) 98
ToolTips 22 drawing code page 329
warning messages 523 drawing entities
xref clipping boundaries 396 3-dimensional faces 458
Distance command or tool (distance) 253 arcs 93
Distance-Angle chamfer method 304–306 boxes 465
Distance-Distance chamfer method 304 circles 120
distances cylinders 470
calculating between points 253 dishes 472
defined 611 domes 473
displaying instead of coordinates 166 donuts 121
specifying in chamfering 304 edge-defined Coons surface patch meshes 464
specifying locations by 169 ellipses 96
spherical and cylindrical coordinates 171, 172 elliptical arcs 97
distant lighting 496 extruded surface meshes 462
Divide command (divide) 246, 248 freehand sketching 103
dividing display into multiple views. See views and view- hatching entities 130
ports lines 90
dividing entities into equal segments 246 multilines 115
docking planes 123
defined 611 point entities 98
toolbars and command bar 22–24 polyface meshes 460
dollar signs 156, 414, 415 polygons 110
Dome command or tool (dome) 473, 611 polylines 112
Donut command or tool (donut) 121 pyramids 468
donuts rays 100
3-dimensional donuts (tori) 474, 475 rectangles 108
converting sides to arc entities 122 rectangular meshes 459
defined 611 rendering 496
drawing 121 revolved surface meshes 462
editing 298 ruled surface meshes 461
filled or outlined 122 shading 495, 617
dots spheres 471
in linetypes 214 splines 118
point entities 98 squares 108
doughnuts. See donuts 611 tori 474
draft quality images 402 traces 117
drafting manually compared to IntelliCAD 5–14 wedges 466
dragging wipeouts 125
drawings from the Internet 518 drawing environment settings 536–540
 633

Drawing Exchange Format files 383, 511–515, 611 Marker Blips display 160
Drawing Settings command or tool (settings) Quick Text feature 160
Blips display 160 Drawing Settings dialog box - Drawing Units tab 46
coordinate display in status bar 166 Drawing Settings dialog box - Entity Creation tab
drawing limits 51–61 entity color settings 41
drawing units 46–49 freehand sketch settings 104
elevation and thickness settings 456 linetype scale settings 43
entity snap target box 70 linetype settings 42
freehand sketch settings 103 lineweight settings 44
grid rotation 65 point entity display 98
grid settings 61–66 print style settings 45
grip display options 271 text height settings 50–51
highlighting entities 271 Drawing Settings dialog box - Entity Modification tab
highlighting settings 160 304–306
isometric snap and grid 66 Drawing Status command (status) 255
linetype scale settings 43–46 drawing units
linetype settings 42 angular units 47–49
lineweight settings 44 linear units 46
mesh surface settings 460, 462 real-world units and 46
orthogonal setting 67 relationship to printed units 427
point entity display 98 rounding in dimension display 360
polar tracking setting 68, 82, 83 scale factors and 49
Quick Text feature 159 text height and 50
shaded surface settings 495 drawings
snap angle settings 65 See also 2-dimensional drawings; 3-dimensional
snap spacing settings 64 drawings
text height settings 50 3-dimensional and isometric drawings compared 66
Drawing Settings dialog box - 3D Settings tab adding audio notes 575
elevation and thickness settings 456 annotations, borders, and title blocks 410
mesh surface settings 462 blocks 236, 237, 375–379
shaded surface settings 495 code pages 329
Drawing Settings dialog box - Coordinate Input tab copying entities to other drawings 156, 275
drawing limits 52 copying settings to other drawings 181
entity snap settings 70 creating new drawings 21, 36
entity snap target box 70 damaged files 38
grid rotation 65 default template 525
grid settings 61 displaying entire drawings 151
isometric snap and grid 66 displaying information about 254–257
mesh surface settings 461 drawing limits 50, 51, 151, 255, 611
orthogonal setting 67, 68 drawing units 46
snap angle settings 65 embedding or linking into other applications 508–
snap spacing settings 64 511
Drawing Settings dialog box - Display tab exporting 511
coordinate display in status bar 166 extents 100, 143, 151, 612
grip display options 271 external references 11, 232, 239, 244, 386
highlighting entities 271 grid settings 61–64
highlighting settings 160 isometric snap and grid 66
634

layer settings 40 zooming 148

layout viewports 416 Dynamic View Control
linetype settings 42, 44 command or tool (viewctl) 451
master and component drawings 386 dialog box 451
moving around in 143 dynamically rotating viewpoints in 3-dimensional draw-
multiple drawings 3, 156 ings 451
opening 37
orientation 426 E
orthogonal setting 67, 68 edgesurf command 464
paper size 426 Edit Block Attributes
passwords 86 command or tool (ddatte) 382
printing 446 dialog box 382
recently used file list 533 Edit Dimension Text command or tool (dimedit) 349
redrawing and regenerating 142 Edit Length command or tool (editlen) 292
reusability 5, 8, 11, 181 Edit Polyline command or tool (editpline)
saving 33 curving and decurving 300
scale factors 49–50 joining 301
search path for files 525 moving polyline vertices 302
sending through e-mail 515 opening and closing 299
snap settings 70 tapering polyline segments 303
tracking time spent on drawings 256 width and tapering 301
views 147 Edit Text command or tool (ddedit)
writing sketches into drawings 103 changing text properties 320
drivers for printers 426 editing attribute definitions 382
dtext command editing text 320
adding text to drawings 312 editing
setting text style 317 color book files 57, 60
specifying alignment 319 layout viewports 419
duplicating entities 273 linked or embedded objects 504
DWF files polylines 298–303
defined 611 print style tables 438
exporting 514 settings, single-click (IntelliCAD Explorer) 219
importing 505, 507 VBA programs 587
opening 37 editing drawings
DWG format blocks 235
supported copy formats 544 embedded IntelliCAD objects in other applications
DWGCODEPAGE 329 510
DWT files in model space 416
defined 611 IntelliCAD compared to manual drafting 12
importing 505 keyboard shortcuts 569
opening 37 layers 182, 183, 186, 195, 198
saving 86 linetypes 200, 205, 208, 212, 213
DXF files 383, 505, 507, 611 lineweights 201, 202
defined 611 linking objects to drawings 503
DXX files 383 print styles 203
dynamic text styles 220–223, 316
panning 144 user coordinate systems 223–226
 635

views 227 spelling 323

editing entities text style settings 316
3-dimensional entities 479–483, 484–494 unicode characters 329
aligning 483 editlen command 292
arraying 278, 480, 481 editpline command
attribute definitions 382 curving and decurving 300
breaking and joining 293–294, 300 joining 301
chamfering and filleting 304 moving polyline vertices 302
changing properties 271 opening and closing 299
copying and pasting to other drawings 273 tapering polyline segments 301, 303
curving and decurving 300 width 301
cutting to Clipboard 275, 276, 282 elapsed-time timer 256
deleting 273 electronically mailing files 515
dividing 248 elements pane in IntelliCAD Explorer 180
editing length 291 Elevation command or tool (elev) 455
elevation and thickness settings 457 elevation in 3-dimensional entities 454
exploding into components 295, 379 defined 611
extending to boundaries 287 entering coordinates 174
grouping 295–298 setting default elevation 455, 456
in model space 416 Ellipse Axis-Axis tool 96
measuring 247 Ellipse command (ellipse) 96
mirroring 278, 482 ellipses
moving 281 drawing methods 96
moving polyline vertices 302 moving with grips 281
offset entities 277 Elliptical Arc Axis-Axis tool 97
polylines 298 Elliptical Arc command (ellipse) 97
rotating 282, 479 e-mailing files 515
scaling 286 embedding
selecting before editing 260 See also ActiveX; linking
stretching 285 defined 611
tapering polyline segments 301, 303 editing embedded objects 504, 510
trimming 290 IntelliCAD objects into other applications 508
vertices 302–303 objects into IntelliCAD drawings 501–504
width of polylines 301 EMF files
with grips 270 defined 611
editing text exporting IntelliCAD files as 511
alignment settings 318 snapshot files 500
alternate text editor 327 end arrows 354
changing character sets 329 ending
changing text properties 320 commands 26
editing attribute definitions 382 points for moving entities. See displacement points
find and replace 321 script recording 580
formatting 320 Endpoint Snap command (endpoint) 72
moving dimension text 348 endpoints of entities
replacing dimension text with new text 349 defined 611
restoring dimension text to home position 349 line entities 90
rotating dimension text 348 methods of drawing arcs 93, 113
636

snapping to 70, 72 overriding layer linetype 200

engineering drawing overriding layer lineweight 201
scale ratios 49 overriding layer print style 203
units 47 entity selection methods 260
Enhanced Metafiles. See EMF files entity snap
enlarging or reducing view of drawings 147 See also entity snap tools
entities angle and base point 65
See also types of entities (lines; rays; arcs; and so on) aperture 71
611 command modifiers 28
3-dimensional entities 454–464 controlling separately in multiple views 153
area and perimeter 249 current settings 70, 255
arraying copies of entities 278, 480 defined 612
attaching audio notes 575 definition point locations 334
attributes 379–385 finding point coordinates with 167, 253
blocks 232, 235, 370–379 fly-over snapping 80, 543, 544
breaking and joining 293, 300 isometric snap and grid 66
chamfering and filleting 304 model space from paper space 412
color settings 198 one-time entity snaps 28, 70
complex entities 107 origin 65
copying or duplicating 273 override 612
defined 611 overview 7
deleting 273 positioning ordinate points 343
displaying information about 254 running entity snaps 70
editing in viewports 416 snap resolution defined 617
elevation and thickness 454 spacing 64
embedding into other applications 508 status bar information 24, 70
grips 270–271 target box 70
linetypes 200 turning off settings 78
lineweights 201 entity snap tools
measuring and marking off intervals 246 Apparent Intersection Snap 77
moving and rotating 281–285, 479 Center Snap 70, 73
on deleted layers 182 Clear Entity Snaps 70, 78
polylines 298 Endpoint Snap 70, 72
print styles 203 illustrated 70
printing 407 Insertion Node Snap 70
properties 271 Insertion Point Snap 75
resizing 285–292 Intersection Snap 70
selecting 195, 260, 334, 335 Midpoint Snap 70, 72
simple entities 112 Nearest Snap 70
text as 312 Node Snap 70, 76
viewing in 3D drawings 450–454 overview 70
Entity Data defined 611 Parallel Snap 76, 82
Entity Properties dialog box Perpendicular Snap 70, 74
changing entity properties 273 Quadrant Snap 70, 75
editing attribute definitions 382 Quick Snap 78
elevation and thickness settings 456 Tangent Snap 70, 74
overriding layer color 199 entprop command

changing entity properties 272
layout viewports 419
setting elevation and thickness 456
erase command. See Delete command or tool (delete)
erasing
eraser tool 104
freehand sketches 104
segments of polylines 112
error reporting 524
ESNAP setting in status bar 70
Esnap. See entity snap
ETRACK setting in status bar 83
exiting IntelliCAD 33
expanding or compressing text 316
expblocks command
creating and saving blocks 235
inserting blocks 236
inserting drawings as blocks 236
inserting external references 239, 244
listing blocks 233, 238, 243
saving blocks as separate drawings 237
experience levels
changing level 3, 26, 521
explained 3
setting for menus or commands 521, 549
setting for toolbars 560
expfonts command
See also Explore Text Styles command or tool 618
creating new text styles 220, 316
current text style 222
editing text styles 222, 231
explayers command
copying and pasting layers to other drawings 182
creating and naming layers 186
current layer settings 40, 195
deleting layers 183
displaying list of layers 184
hiding or freezing layers 196
layer color settings 199
layer linetype settings 200
layer lineweight settings 201
layer print settings 198
layer print style settings 203
locking and unlocking layers 197
Explode command or tool (explode)
converting donut sides to arc entities 122
converting plane sides to line entities 124
637
converting polygon sides to line entities 112
converting polyline segments to entities 112
converting rectangle sides to line entities 108
exploding blocks 379
exploding entities into components 295
exploded dimensions 333
exploded hatching 130
Explore Blocks command or tool (expblocks)
creating and saving blocks 235, 239
inserting blocks 236
inserting drawings as blocks 236
listing blocks 234
saving blocks as separate drawings 237
Explore Coordinate Systems command or tool (expucs)
223
Explore Layers command or tool (explayers) 180
copying layers to other drawings 182
creating and naming layers 187
current layer settings 40, 195
deleting layers 183
displaying list of layers 185
hiding or freezing layers 196
layer color settings 199
layer linetype settings 200
layer lineweight settings 201
layer print settings 198
layer print style settings 203
locking and unlocking layers 197
opening IntelliCAD Explorer 180
Explore Layouts command or tool (explayouts)
listing views 230
Explore Linetypes command or tool (expltypes)
creating new linetypes 213, 215
current linetype 208, 212
listing linetypes 208, 210
renaming linetypes 218
Explore Text Styles command or tool (expstyles)
creating new styles 316
creating new text styles 221, 230
current text style 222
editing text styles 222, 231
listing text styles 220
Explore Views command or tool (expviews)
listing views 226
saving and naming views 227
expltypes command
creating new complex linetypes 215
638

creating new linetypes 213 faces 458, 496, 612

current linetype 208, 212 fade of images 400
listing linetypes 208, 210 feature control frames 364
loading additional linetypes 212 fence
renaming linetypes 218 defined 612
Export command or tool (export) 512, 514 extending entities with 289
exporting illustrated 263
drawings 511 trimming or clipping entities with 291
profiles 540 Fence selection method 261
expstyles command 219 fields in extracted attribute files 383
See also Explore Text Styles command or tool file formats
expucs command 223 default Save As format 522
See also Explore Coordinate Systems command or exporting 511
tool importing 505, 507
expviews command 226, 227, 229 IntelliCAD and AutoCAD files 3
See also Explore Views command or tool file paths
Extend command or tool (extend) for external references 392
extending to boundaries 287, 320 for raster images 406
extending to implied boundaries 288 file size
extending blocks and 370
Apparent Intersection Snap 77 external references and 386
dimensions 352 linked and embedded objects and 503, 510
entities to meet boundaries 287 files
extension lines aliases 572, 574
adding dimensions by selecting origins 334, 335 audio 576
adding dimensions by specifying lines 334 basing on templates 36
arrows and arrowheads 354 creating 36
defined 333, 612 damaged 38, 523
formatting 352 default Save As format 522
obliquing 347 embedding into drawings 502
extension snaps 28, 77 embedding into other applications 508, 510
extents exiting 33
See also limits exporting 511
defined 612 external references 239, 244, 386
displaying entire drawings 151 extracted attribute data 379, 383
rays and 100 fonts 220
scroll bar indicators 143 importing 505, 507
Extract Attributes command or tool (ddattext) 384 inserting as blocks 375
extracting attribute data 379, 383–385 keyboard shortcuts 571
Extruded Surface command or tool (tabsurf) 462 linking drawings into other applications 510
extruding menus 549
3-dimensional entities 457, 612 opening 37
solid faces 486 passwords 86
surface meshes 461 previewing before printing 444
print style tables 433
F printing drawings 446
Face command or tool (face) 458 profiles 536
 639

raster images 398 character sets 329

recently used drawing list 533 defined 220
saving 33 font files 316
saving blocks as drawings 372, 373 in paragraphs 313
scripts 579 in text styles 316
search paths 525 search path for files 525
sending through e-mail 515 footers and headers on printouts 540
shapes 578 forcing text to fit 318, 358
Fill command or tool (fill) form tolerance symbols 364–365
filled or outlined lines on entities 108, 112, 122 formatting lines in dimensions 352
turning fill display on or off 158 formatting text
Fillet command or tool (fillet) 307 dimension text 356–360
filleting text styles 316, 317
defined 304, 612 fractional drawing units 46
methods 307 frames of images 402
filling entities frames of wipeouts 126
displaying current settings 255 Free Orbit command (rtrot) 145
donut lines 122 Freehand command (freehand) 103
hatching 130 freehand sketches
planes 123 drawing and inserting 103
polygon lines 112 erasing 104
polyline lines 112 setting as polylines or lines 104
rectangle lines 108 Freeze/Thaw tool (IntelliCAD Explorer) 196, 197
turning off display to improve performance 158 freezing layers 184, 196, 197, 612
filtering entities during selection 264 Full Render command or tool (fullrender) 496
Find and Replace command or tool (find) 321 full-size drawings 49
find command 321
finding point coordinates 167 G
finding text 321 gaps in linetypes 214
Fit Tolerance values for splines 119 Geometric Tolerance dialog box 366
fitting geometric tolerances 364
text and arrowheads on dimensions 358 geometry, overlaying reference geometry 388
viewports to screen 417 global linetype scale 43
fixed greeking text (Quick Text feature) 159
attribute values 379 grid settings
coordinate systems 165 changing settings 62
flatness tolerance symbols 364 controlling separately in multiple views 153
flipping entities (creating mirror images) 278, 482 displaying current settings 255
flipping printed page 422, 425, 438 grid defined 612
floating toolbars and command bar 22, 26, 612 GRID setting in status bar 62
floating viewports isometric snap and grid 63, 66
scale factor 418 rotating grid 63, 65
flyouts on tools 26, 559–560 grips
font map color and size 271
setting the default file 525 editing entities with 270
fonts 219 moving entities with 281
AutoCAD fonts 220 resizing dimensions with 348
640

resizing entities with 285 xref clipping boundaries 396

scaling entities with 286–287 hierarchical viewing, external references 389
selecting entities with 270 high quality images 402
stretching entities with 285 highlight command 160
turning on or off 271 highlighting entities
grouped entities. See blocks edges of shaded entities 496
grouping entities 295–298 turning highlighting on or off 271
when selected 160
H horizontal
hand cursor (Pan tool) 143 grid spacing 61–64
hand method to determine coordinates 170, 171 text orientation 316
handles (entity grips). See grips horizontal dimensions
hardware acceleration 529 creating 334
hardware requirements for IntelliCAD 20 defined 613
hatch boundaries 130 illustrated 332
Hatch command or tool (hatch) 130 horizontal drawing method
hatch patterns and hatching infinite lines 101
adding to entities 130 rays 100
IntelliCAD compatibility with AutoCAD files 3 hyperlink command 516
search path for files 525 hyphens 156, 414, 415
headers and footers on printouts 540
height of named views 226 I
height of text. See text height ICA files (IntelliCAD aliases) 574
Help icad print style tables 437
assistance for IntelliCAD 14 icad.dwt template 21, 36
displaying online Help 33 icad.fnt font 316
search path for files 525 icad.lin file 212
hidden icad.pat library file 131
attributes 379 ICM files (IntelliCAD menu files) 545, 549, 550
edges on 3-dimensional polyface meshes 460 icons
lines 495 audio notes 576
hidden-line removal, defined 613 coordinate system 165
Hide command or tool (hide) 495 display options for tool icons 558
hiding displaying embedded files as 502
command bar 23 large tools 559, 561
entities using wipeouts 125 ID Coordinates command or tool (idpoint) 167
image frames 402 idpoint command 167
layers 195, 198 i-drop feature 518
lines in 3-dimensional entities 495 image command 400, 405, 406
Model and Layout tabs 413, 529 imageattach command 398
Prompt History window 28 imageclip command 403
reference grid 62 imageframe command 402
scroll bars 529 imagequality command 402
toolbars 22 images
ToolTips 22 attaching 398
warning messages 523 changing paths 406
wipeout frames 126 clipping 403
 641

deleting 406 inserting dimensions

modifying 400 aligned 336
unloading and loading 405 angular 339
Images tool (Block toolbar) 233 baseline 336
implied boundaries continued 337
extending entities to 288 diameter 342
trimming or clipping entities with 290 horizontal or vertical 335
importing in paper space 345
files 505, 507 leaders on 344
profiles 540 obliqued 347
imprinting solids 492 ordinate 343
improving performance radius 342
hatch pattern memory requirements 130 inserting drawings into other drawings. See Xref Manag-
memory-intensive display elements 158 er command or tool (xrm)
included angles in arcs 93, 94, 114 insertion command 75
indents in paragraphs 313 Insertion Point Snap command (insertion) 75
index colors insertion points
current entity color 41 attachment points 313, 320
selecting 53 base points for drawings 255
selecting for layers 199 for blocks 235, 236, 371, 373, 376
Infinite Line command or tool (infline) 101 for external references 388
infinite lines for text 312, 313, 317, 320
defined 613 in attribute definitions 380, 381
drawing 101 in extracted attribute file fields 383
filleting entities 310 snapping to 75
infline command 101 insertobj command 502, 504
Inquiry toolbar tools installing IntelliCAD 20
coordinates 167 int command modifier 28
distances 253 IntelliCAD Explorer
drawing status 255 Blocks list 232–237, ??–243
listing entity info 254 Coordinate Systems element 176, 223–226
time variables 257 copying elements to other drawings 181
Insert Block dialog box 236, 376 deleting elements 182
Insert External file Blocks tool (Block toolbar) 233, 236 Dimension Styles 241–243
Insert Object dialog box 502, 504 Layers element 184
Insert tool (Block toolbar) 233, 236 Layouts element 229–232
inserting overview 180–181
blocks 375 purge tool 183
drawings from a Web site 518 single-click editing 219
hatch patterns 130 Text Styles element (text styles) 219–223
hyperlinks 516 tools 80, 181
menu items 546 Views element 226–229
menu sub-items 547 IntelliCAD Explorer command or tool (explayers) 180
objects 502, 504 intermediate experience level
raster images 398 changing 3, 549
text 312 explained 3
tolerances 366 Internet
642

e-mailing drawings 515 layers

hyperlinks for 516 blocks with entities from different layers 370
opening drawings from 518 BYLAYER property 41–46
publishing drawings to 518 changing for text entities 320
intersection of 3-dimensional entities colors and linetypes 41–43, 198–203, ??–210
defined 613 colors, linetypes, lineweights, and print styles 184
intersecting solids 478 copying to other drawings 181–182
snapping to 77 creating and naming 186, 195
Intersection Snap command (intersection) 77 current layer settings 40, 195, 255
intervals on entities, marking off 246 defined 613
invisible data. See attributes deleting in IntelliCAD Explorer 182
invisible edges displaying layer information 254
of raster images 402 freezing and thawing 186, 196, 197
on 3-dimensional faces 457, 458 hidden and visible 184, 185, 195, 198
on 3-dimensional polyface meshes 460 in entity properties 273
invisible layers 184, 186, 195 Layer toolbar in IntelliCAD Explorer 186
isometric drawings Layers dialog box 199, 200, 201, 202
defined 613 Layers element in IntelliCAD Explorer 182, 184
enabling snap and grid settings 63 locking and unlocking 184, 186, 197
isometric planes overview 6–7, 184–241
defined 613 print settings 198
illustrated 66 printing and nonprinting 184, 195, 198
setting current plane 63 renaming 187
selecting entities by layer 261
J status bar information 24
Join command or tool (join) 294 transparent overlays 6
joining layout command 414
combining solids 477 Layout tabs
entities 294, 300, 304 displaying 413, 529
two views 155 print options 422
justification reordering 415
attribute text 381 layout viewports
dimension line text 357 changing size 419
K clipping 420
creating 416
keyboard shortcuts
creating dimensions in 345
adding or deleting 570
defined 613
customizing 568
invisible borders on 417
L locking 419
Last Entity In Drawing selection method 261 modifying 419
latitude lines scale factor 418
dishes 472 selecting 419
domes 473 turning on and off 418
spheres 470 UCS per viewport 419
layer states ??–208 layouts
overview ??–208 command or tool (layout) 412
copying 414
 643

creating from templates 414 Linear command or tool (dimlinear) 335

defined 613 linear dimensions
deleting 415 aligned 336
displaying information for entities 254 baseline 336
lineweights 429, 430, 431 continued 337
listing and saving layouts 229 creating 334
maximum number 413 formatting dimension unit display 361
model space and paper space defined 411 illustrated 332
page setup 229 rounding in 360
print area and origin 427 linear drawing units 46–47
print options 422 lines
printing 446 adding to arcs 90
renaming 415 colors in dimensions 352
reordering 415 converting complex entity sides to 108, 112, 124
saving as templates 415 dimensioning angles between lines 340
scale factor 427 drawing lines 90
viewing list of 416 extending to boundaries 287
Layouts list in IntelliCAD Explorer 229 filled or outlined on complex entities 108, 112
Leader command or tool (dimleader) 344 formats in dimensions 352
leaders in dimensions freehand sketches as 104
creating 344 hiding in 3D entities 495–496
defined 334, 613 in hatching 130, 169
leading zeros in dimensions 361 in polylines 112
least material condition (LMC) 365 infinite lines 101
left-aligned text 318 joining 294, 300
length of lines measuring and marking off intervals 246
in freehand sketches 103 moving with grips 281
specifying before drawing 90 of text See text entities
lengthening entities 285 profile tolerance symbols 364
lengthening or shortening entities. See resizing entities width 109
levels of entities in arrays 480 linetype scale
levels of precision. See accuracy changing global 43
libraries setting current 42
of hatch patterns 130 linetypes
of linetype 210, 212 changing in entity properties 271
light sources 494, 495, 497 compatibility with AutoCAD files 3
Lighting command or tool (lighting) 498 copying to other drawings 181
limits creating new linetypes 205, 213
See also extents current settings 42, 255
defined 613 default linetypes 186
displaying entire drawings 151 defined 613
displaying limits for drawings 255 deleting in IntelliCAD Explorer 182
drawing limits for printing 428 displaying information about entities 254
setting 50, 51 drawing scale factor and 49
limits tolerance. See tolerances global scale settings 43
lin files (linetype libraries) 212 layer settings 184, 200
Line command or tool (line) 90 library files 212
644

linetype scale settings 43 584

loading additional linetypes 212 loading
overriding for entities 200, 211 .NET programs 583
overview 210–211 additional linetypes 212
print styles 438 alias files 575
status bar information 24 code pages 330
Linetypes element (IntelliCAD Explorer) 205, 212, 213 color books 61
lineweights default drawing environment settings 538
current settings 44 keyboard shortcut files 571
defined 613 LISP programs 582, 584
displaying 161 menu files 533, 550
layer settings 201 profiles 538
overriding for entities 201 raster images 405
print settings 429, 430, 431 location tolerance symbols 364
print styles 438 locations in drawings
scale factor 161 absolute and relative coordinates 167, 171
set default 161 coordinate systems 164
linking display order 284
See also ActiveX; embedding displaying entity coordinates 254
defined 613 finding point coordinates 167
drawings into other applications 510 moving and rotating entities 282–285
editing linked objects 504 obtaining precise point locations 253
external reference files 386–396 Lock/Unlock command tool (IntelliCAD Explorer) 197
objects into drawings 503–504 locking layers 184, 186, 197, 614
raster images 398 locking layout viewports 419
LISP programs log file
calculating coordinates in rectangular meshes 459 setting the default file 525
defined 613
IntelliCAD compatibility 4 M
running programs 584–585 M or N direction
List Entity Info command or tool (list) 254 defined 614
List Processing Language. See LISP Programs in rectangular meshes 459
listening to audio notes 577 in surface meshes 461, 462, 464
listing macros 587, 614
blocks and external references 233, 238, 243 See also scripts
external references 389 magnification of drawings
fonts and text styles 219, 241, 317 See also scale factors
hatch patterns 131, 132 magnifying views 5
layers 185 methods 147
linetypes 208, 210 zooming and panning in 3-dimensional drawings
named views 226, 229 453
print style tables 441 magnifying glass cursor 147
user coordinate systems 223 major axes 614
LMC (least material condition) 365 Make Oblique command or tool (dimedit) 347
Load Application Files dialog box 582, 583, 584 Make Snapshot command or tool (msnapshot) 500
load command 578, 584 manual drafting compared to IntelliCAD 5
Load LISP or SDS Application command (appload) 582, MAPI protocol 515
 645

margins on drawings. See extents; limits MMC (maximum material condition) 365
marker blips. See blips MNS files (AutoCAD menu files) 545, 550, 562
marker blocks 246 MNU files (AutoCAD menu files) 545, 550, 562
marking off interval on entities 246 model space
master drawings from component drawings 386 See also paper space
material condition symbols 365 copying entities to/from 276, 282
materials 497 defined 614
Materials command or tool (materials) 498 displaying information for entities 254
maximum material condition (MMC) 365 overview 8, 410
MDI (multiple-document interface) 3, 156, 614 print options 422
Measure command or tool (measure) 246, 247 snap from paper space 412
measurement lines. See dimensions and dimension styles status bar information 24
measuring and marking entities 246 switching to 412, 413
memory requirements switching to paper space 412
for IntelliCAD 20 viewport scale factor 418
hatch pattern requirements 130 Model tab
memory-intensive display elements 158 cannot delete 415
menu files displaying 413, 529
customizing menus 545–556 displaying information for entities 254
IntelliCAD compatibility with AutoCAD files 3 model space and paper space defined 410
loading 550 print options 422
saving 549 printing from 408, 446
Menu Item command 547 viewports illustrated 410
Menu Sub-Item command 547 Modify toolbar 22
menus modifying. See editing
adding commands 547 monochrome print style tables 437
automatically loading 533 mouse shortcuts 29
changing experience levels 3, 26, 521, 549 mouse wheel direction 533
creating new menus 547 Move command or tool (move) 281
customizing 545 moving
deleting commands from 548 around in drawings 143
menu bar illustrated 22 external reference files 392
renaming commands 548 profiles 540
search path for files 525 prompt boxes 25
starting commands with 26 raster image files 405
Mesh command or tool (mesh) 459 toolbars and command bar 22
mesh surfaces. See surface meshes moving entities
Messaging Application Program Interface (MAPI) 515 dimension text 348
middle-aligned text 318 move command 281–282
midpoint of two points 28 solid faces 487
Midpoint Snap command (midpoint) 72 to other drawings 156
midpoints of entities 70, 72 to other layers before layer deletion 183
minor axes 614 vertices in polylines 302
Mirror command or tool (mirror) 278 with grips 270
mirror3D command 482 msnapshot command 500
mirroring entities 278, 614 mtext command 313, 328
mistakes, correcting 32 MText dialog box 313
646

mtexted command 327 New Item tool 80, 176, 181

mtp command modifier 28 newwiz command 36
Multiline command or tool (mline) 115 node command 76
multiple commands Node Snap command (node) 76
modifying commands 28 non-associative dimensions 333
nesting several commands 28 nonassociative hatches 614
repeating commands 27 none command 78
using while commands are active 26 See also Clear Entity Snaps command or tool
multiple copies non-ISO linetypes 439
of entities 274 nparallel command 76, 82
of external references 388 numbers, rounding 360–364
of layouts 414 numeric fields in extracted attribute file fields 384
multiple drawings 3, 156
multiple views O
See views and viewports Object command (insertobj) 502, 504
multiple-document interface (MDI) 3, 156, 614 object linking and embedding. See Active X
mview command 418 oblique angle
in dimension lines 347
N in text styles 220, 222, 231, 316, 320
N direction. See M or N direction Offset command or tool (offset) 277
N symbol in extracted attribute file fields 384 offset copies of entities. See parallel entities
named print style tables offset entities 277
changing a drawing’s table type 441 offsetting
comparing with color-dependent tables 434 baseline dimensions 337
converting to 442 solid faces 488
copying, renaming, deleting 441 text on dimension lines 357
creating 437 OLE. See Active X
default settings 540 On/Off tool (IntelliCAD Explorer) 196
defined 433 online Help 14, 33
modifying 438 onweb command 518
setting current print style 45 oops command 371
named text styles 316 Open command or tool (open) 37
See also text styles Open Drawing dialog box 38
named views 226, 614 opening
See also views and viewports color books 57, 60
Nearest Snap command (nearest) 72 damaged files 38
negative coordinate locations 164 drawings from a Web site 518
nested drawings using Recover 523
blocks 370, 614 existing drawings 37
commands 28 external references 390
external reference files 388 files in other formats 505, 507
nested blocks files sent through e-mail 515
See also blocks IntelliCAD 21
netloadcommand 588 polylines 299
New command (newwiz) 36 profile files 540
new drawings 36 templates for printed layouts 414
new features 15 operating system code page 329
 647

Options command (config) 521, 525, 526, 528, 529, rectangle lines 108
530, 531, 532, 533, 534, 541, 543, 544 turning off fill display to improve performance 159
Options dialog box 520 wire-frame models 454
options, setting or changing 520 output files of extracted attribute data 384
Ordinate command or tool (dimordinate) 343 Outside Circle selection method 261, 615
ordinate dimensions Outside Polygon selection method 261, 615
creating 343 Outside Window selection method 261, 615
defined 614 overlaying external references 388
illustrated 332 overlays. See layers
organizing information overscoring text 319
color books 57, 60
for printing 407 P
on layers 6, 184 page setups
with blocks 370 deleting 425
orientation Pan command or tool (pan) 143
of page 426 panning
of text 219 See also zooming in or out
of view 152, 153, 154 defined 615
printing upside down 422, 425, 438 in 3-dimensional drawings 453
tolerance symbols 364 in viewports 412
origin points methods 143
adding dimensions by selecting origins 334, 335 viewing drawings by 5
compared to viewpoints in 3-dimensional drawings paper sheet color 529, 530
450–454 paper size 426
defined 615 paper space
displaying distances in ordinate dimensions 343 See also model space
of coordinate systems 175, 224 copying or resizing viewports. See model space
of extension lines 334 copying entities to/from 276, 282
of print areas 429 defined 615
of snap and grid 65 dimensions 345
specifying locations by 169 displaying information for entities 254
ORTHO setting in status bar 67 editing method 416
orthogonal mode layout viewports 416
defined 615 overview 8, 410
displaying current settings 255 print options 422
overview 7 printing from 229, 409
status bar information 24 scale factor 418
turning on 63, 67 snap from 412
orthogonal projection 615 status bar information 24
osnap command. See entity snap switching to 412
outlined elements in IntelliCAD Explorer 180 paragraph text
outlining aligning 319
donut lines 122 creating 312
image frames 402 parallel
planes 124 dimensions. See baseline dimensions
polygon lines 112 drawing method, infinite lines and rays 100
polyline lines 112 parallel entities
648

defined 615 photo-realistic 494, 496

filleting parallel lines 310 plan view
parallel copies of entities 277 coordinate system icons 165
Parallel Snap 76, 82 defined 615
Parallel Snap command (parallel) 76, 82 displaying 3-dimensional drawings 453
parallelism tolerance symbols 364 Plan View command or tool (plan) 453
partial coordinates 173 planar entities
passwords for drawings 87 converting to 3D 455
Paste command or tool defined 615
IntelliCAD Explorer 181 planar tops for pyramids 469
pasteclip command 276 Plane command or tool (plane) 123
Paste command or tool (IntelliCAD Explorer) 80, 181 planes
Paste Special command and dialog box 503 3-dimensional faces 458
pasting converting sides to lines 124
embedded objects into drawings 502 defined 615
entities into other drawings 156, 276 drawing 123
layers into other drawings 182 isometric planes 66
linked objects into drawings 503 playing
settings into other drawings 181 audio notes 577
text 313 scripts 579–581
text in Prompt History window 29 pline command. See Polyline command or tool (polyline)
patch meshes 464 616
paths for files plotters
color books 61 printing drawings 446
external references 392 selecting 426
raster images 406 plotting. See printing drawings
search paths 525 plus or minus signs 319
patterned pmspace command 412
lines. See linetypes point command 98
PDF files 512 point filters (coordinate filters) 173, 609
pen assignments 432–443 Point Selection method 261
pen numbers 438 Point Snap 76
pencil tool 103 Point tool 98
percent signs 319 points
performance issues. See improving performance See also base points; displacement points; endpoints
perimeters 615 of entities; insertion points; midpoints of entities;
calculating areas 249 origin points; start points of entities
perpendicular distances from origin points 343 changing point entity appearance 98
perpendicular entities defined 615, 616
defined 615 drawing point entities 98
infinite lines 101 finding point coordinates 167
rays 100 interval marker point entities 246
snapping to 70, 73 parallel copies passing through points 277
Perpendicular Snap command (perpendicular) 73 point locations in coordinate systems 164
perpendicularity tolerance symbols 364 snapping parallel 76, 82
pface command 460 snapping to point entities 76
PGP files (AutoCAD aliases) 574 polar
 649

arrays of entities 279, 480–481, 615 text on dimension lines 356

coordinates 167, 169 positioning dimensions
See also coordinate systems aligned dimensions 336
POLAR setting in status bar 68 angular dimensions 339
polar tracking, turning on 68 arc dimensions 341
Polyface Mesh command or tool (pface) 460 baseline dimensions 336
polyface meshes 460 diameter dimensions 342
Polygon command (polygon) 110 dimension text 348
polygon meshes horizontal or vertical dimensions 335
edge-defined Coons surface patch meshes 464 leaders and annotations 344
extruded surface meshes 461 radius dimensions 342
revolved surface meshes 462 text and arrowhead positioning 358
ruled surface meshes 460 positioning entities 281
Polygon, Center-Side tool 111 See also insertion points
Polygon, Center-Vertex tool 110 blocks 375
polygons moving entities 270
See also polygon meshes 616 positive coordinate locations 164
calculating area and perimeter 249 ppreview command 444
clipped images 404 precision. See accuracy
converting sides to lines 112 preferences command. See config command
defined 616 prefixes on dimension text 361
drawing 110 presentations 500
editing 298 Preset Viewpoints
using as selection windows 263 command or tool (setvpoint) 450
Polyline command or tool (polyline) 112 dialog box 451
polylines previewing
chamfering 306 block images 233
converting entities to polylines 298 files before opening 38, 86
converting segments to entities 112 print jobs 444
curving and decurving 300 Previous Selection selection method 260
defined 616 print area 428, 429
donuts 121 print command 446
drawing 112 Print command or tool (print) 446
editing 298 Print dialog box 429
editing vertices 302 Print Preview command or tool (ppreview) 444
extending to boundaries 287 Print Style Table Editor dialog box 440
filleting entities 307 print style tables
freehand sketches as 103 assigning 436
joining 300 changing drawing’s type 441
measuring and marking off intervals 246 comparing types 434
opening and closing 112, 299 copying, renaming, deleting 441
polygons 110 creating 437
rectangles 108 default settings 540
tapering 112, 289 explained 433
width 112, 301 getting started with 434
position tolerance symbols 364 modifying 438
positioning search paths 525
650

turning off 443 defined 616

print styles turning off 25, 533
changing in entity properties 273 Prompt History window
default settings 540 defined 616
explained 433 displaying drawing information 254
layer settings 203 navigating with arrow keys 528
modifying 438 tracking history 28, 528
setting current 45 prompts in status bar 380
printers Properties command or tool (entprop)
printing drawings 446 changing entity properties 272, 418
selecting 426 changing viewport properties 419
printing drawings IntelliCAD Explorer 80, 181, 199, 200, 201, 202,
default print style settings 540 222, 231
drawing limits 428 setting elevation and thickness 457
getting started 408 properties, selection by 264, 268
headers and footers 540 proxies
layer control 198 display of 601
layout viewports 416 selecting 265
lineweights 429, 430, 431 publishing drawings to the Internet 518
paper size and orientation 426 pull-down menus 546
paper space 8 purge tool 183
plotter drivers 426 Pyramid command or tool (pyramid) 468, 469
previewing before printing 444 pyramids
print styles 432–443 drawing 468
printing and nonprinting layers 184, 195, 198 editing 298
printing drawings 446
rendered drawings 498 Q
scale factors 49, 427 qtext command 159
selecting printer 426 quadrant points of entities 75, 616
setting the scale 427 Quadrant Snap command (quadrant) 75
upside down 422, 425, 438 quadrilateral filled planes 123
profile tolerance symbols 364 quality of images 402
profiles 536–540 quick command 78
copying 539 Quick Select selection method 261
creating 536 Quick Snap command (quick) 78
deleting 539 Quick Text feature 159
explained 536 quitting IntelliCAD 33
exporting 540 R
importing 540
radial dimensions 332, 334
loading 538
radians 616
renaming 539
radii of entities
profiles for revolved surface meshes 462–464
arc 93
programming IntelliCAD 581–588
arcs 114
projected tolerances 363, 365
circles 91
projection lines. See extension lines
cylinders 470
prompt boxes
defined 616
choosing command options 25
 651

dishes 472 See also regenerating drawings 142

domes 473 reducing or enlarging view of drawings 147
filleting entities 307 reference
spheres 470 geometry 388
tori 474, 475 grid. See grid settings
Radius command or tool (dimradius) 342 Reference Grid tool 62
radius dimensions 342, 616 reflections 496
Radius-Tangent-Tangent circle method 91 refreshing screen 142
RAM requirements. See memory requirements regardless of feature size (RFS) condition 365
raster images Regen command or tool (regen) 142, 159
attaching 398 regenall command 142
changing paths 406 regenerating drawings
clipping 403 See also redrawing screen 616, 617
deleting 406 after editing text styles 221
modifying 400 after enabling Quick Text 159
unloading and loading 405 compared to redrawing 142
Ray command or tool (ray) 100 defined 616, 617
ray tracing 496 Region command or tool (region) 475
defined 616 regions 475
rays slicing and sectioning 485
defined 616 relative coordinates
drawing 100 See also absolute coordinates; user coordinate sys-
extending to boundaries 287 tems (UCS); World Coordinate System (WCS)
filleting 310 617
read-only files 38 3-dimensional coordinate systems 170
Real-Time Pan command (rtpan) 144 defined 617
Real-Time Zoom command (rtzoom) 148, 149, 151 point filters 173
Record Script command or tool (recscript) 580, 581 polar coordinates 169
recording audio notes 575 spherical and cylindrical coordinates 171
recording scripts 31, 579 relinking external reference files 392
Recover command (recover) 39 reloading
Rectangle command or tool (rectangle) 108 external reference drawings 239, 244, 387, 391
rectangles raster images 405
converting sides to lines 108 removing. See deleting
defined 616 Rename Command (IntelliCAD Explorer) 187
drawing 108 renaming
editing 298 attribute definitions 382
squares 108 blocks 235, 239
rectangular commands in menus 548
arrays of entities 280, 480, 616 dimension styles 351
boxes 465 layers 187
clipped images 403 layouts 415
filled planes 123 linetypes 218
Redo tool 32 print style tables 441
redoing actions 32, 616 profiles 539
See also undoing actions toolbars 558
redrawing screen 142, 616 Render command or tool (render) 496
652

rendering right-hand rule to determine coordinates 170, 617

troubleshooting 529 Rotate command or tool (rotate) 282
rendering 3-dimensional entities 494 Rotate Dimension Text command or tool (dimedit) 348
reordering rotating
entities 284 3-dimensional entities 479
Layout tabs 415 angles in attribute text 381
repeating commands 27 angles in elliptical arc drawing methods 97
replacing dimension text with new text 349 blocks 235, 236, 373, 375–376
replacing text 321 coordinate systems 175
Reposition Dimension Text command or tool (dimedit) creating 3D arrays 481
348 dimension text 348
resetting timer 256 dimensions. See aligned dimensions
resizing entities 282, 479, 617
layout viewports 419 grid 65
lineweights during printing 429 images 400
toolbars 22 paragraph text 313
viewports 419 printed page 422, 425, 438
resizing entities solid faces 487
arrowheads 355 text 312, 317, 320
changing length 291 viewpoints in 3-dimensional drawings 451
extending to boundaries 287 views 145
scaling 286 visualizing rotation direction 170
stretching 285–286 rotation points
trimming or clipping 290 defined 617
Restore Text Position command or tool (dimedit) 349 specifying 282
restoring rounding corners on entities. See filleting
aliases to unchanged condition 573 rounding numbers in dimension display 360
changed blocks to originals 377 roundness tolerance symbols 364
default drawing environment settings 538 rows and columns of entities. See rectangular arrays of
deleted entities 273 entities
dimension text to home position 349 rtrot command 146
named views 228 rubber-band lines 617
previous view of drawing 149, 156 Ruled Surface command or tool (rulesurf) 461
restricting. See constraining drawing ruled surface meshes 461, 617
reusing information 5 running
copying settings into other drawings 181 .NET programs 588
drawing environment settings 536 entity snaps 70, 617
IntelliCAD compared to manual drafting 8 IntelliCAD 21
layouts 414 VBA programs 587
reusing entire blocks and drawings 11 VSTA methods 588
Revolved Surface command or tool (revsurf) 463 runout tolerance symbols 364
revolved surface meshes 462, 617
revolving solids 476 S
RFS (regardless of feature size condition) 365 SAT files
right-aligned text 319 importing 505
right-click menus 22, 533 Save As command or tool (saveas) 86
right-click shortcuts 29 Save Block dialog box 237
 653

Save Block to Disk redrawing and regenerating 142

command or tool (wblock) 372, 373 turning off memory-intensive display elements 158
tool (Block toolbar) 233 screenshots (snapshots) 500
Save command or tool (save) 33, 85 Script Recorder 31
Save/Restore View command or tool (view) 227 scripts defined 617
saving scroll bars 143
attributes 379 displaying 529
blocks 235 SDF files (Space Delineated Format) 383
blocks as drawing files 372, 373 SDS programs 4, 32, 617
blocks as separate drawing files 237 search paths for files 392, 525
color books 57, 60 searching text 321
default Save As format 522 sectioning solids 485
drawings 33 security for drawings 87
in other formats 511 segmented dimension lines. See continued dimensions
layouts as templates 415 segments
named views 227–228 converting polyline segments into curves 300
new complex linetypes 215–218 defined 617
new linetypes 213–218 editing in polylines 112
passwords with drawings 87 measuring and marking off intervals on entities 246
profile settings 536 Select All Entities selection method 260
sketches as part of drawings 103 Select Color command 199
snapshots 500 Select Font dialog box 316
tracking last save time 256 Select Layer by Entity command or tool (setlayer) 195
user coordinate system 165, 175, 176 Select Toolbars dialog box 22–23
viewport configuration 156 selecting entities
Scale command or tool (scale) 286 adding or removing entities from sets 270
scale factor by block name 266
lineweights 161 by filter 264
scale factors by properties 264, 268
blocks 235, 236, 375 by proxy 265
drawing to scale 5–6 by type 267
drawing units 46 by value 269
floating viewports 418 highlighting 160, 271
hatching 131 matching specific properties 261
in dimensions 361 quick select 268
linetype scale 43 selection methods 260
magnifying view by precise scale factor 149 to copy or duplicate 274
printing lineweights 429 to delete 273
printing to scale 427 with audio notes 576
scaling entities 286 selection
understanding drawing scale factors 49 sets 260, 617
viewports 418 windows 260
scaling. See resizing entities; scale factors semicolon 579
scientific drawing units 47 separating solids 492
screen display setdim command 241
customizing 527 arrows and arrowheads 354, 356, 358
magnifying 5 baseline dimension offset 337
654

blocks and external references 180 lineweights 44

creating dimension styles 350 orthogonal mode 67, 68, 82, 83
deleting dimension styles 351, 352 point entity display 98
dimension line colors 352 print styles 45
formatting dimension text 356 shaded surfaces 495
renaming dimension styles 351 snap angles 65
rounding off numbers 360 snap spacing 64
text positioning 356, 359 text height 50
settings Settings pane in IntelliCAD Explorer 180
arrows and arrowheads 354 setucs command 176, 177
blips display 160 setvpoint command 450
blocks and external references 233, 234, 236, 237, Shade command or tool (shade) 495
238, 243 shaded image 495
colors 198 shading surfaces of 3-dimensional entities 495, 617
coordinate systems 180, 223 shadows 496, 497
default drawing environment 538 shape command 578
default print style table options 540 shelling solids 493
dimension styles 350 shortcut menus 533
distances and angles display 166 shortcuts
drawing environment 536 adding access keys to commands 547
elevation and thickness 454–458 customizing keyboard shortcuts 568
entity snap 70 displaying shortcut menus 22
fills 158 entity snaps menu 70
grip display options 271 keyboard 30
highlighting 271 using the mouse 29
layers 40, 181–203 shortening entities 285
linetypes 181 shortening or lengthening entities. See resizing entities
lineweights 161, 201 SHP files (fonts) 220
mesh surfaces 460 SHX files (fonts) 220
Quick Text display 159 sides of entities
setting layers by selecting entities 195 editing polygons 112
shaded surfaces 495 editing polylines 112
text styles 180, 219, 316 editing rectangles 108
user coordinate systems 175 maximum number for polygons 110
views 180, 226, 227, 229 specifying to draw polygons 112
settings command simple entities 89
dimension styles 360 See also types of entities (lines; rays; arcs; and so on)
drawing limits 51 simulating
drawing units 47 3-dimensional drawings 66
elevation and thickness 455–457 paper output on screen. See paper space
entity snap target box 71 size
freehand sketches 104 of files. See file size
grid settings 62, 65 of grips 271
highlighting 271 of printed drawings 50
isometric snap and grid 66 of text. See text height
linetype scale 43 size of entities
linetypes 42 displaying size information 254
 655

point entities 98 for entity snap 64

resizing. See resizing entities in reference grid 62
sketch command. See freehand command 103 special characters 319
sketching freehand entities 103 speed of processing. See improving performance
slanted Spelling command or tool (spell) 323
dimensions. See aligned dimensions spelling of text 323
text. See obliquing angle Sphere command or tool (sphere) 471
SLD files (snapshots) 500 spheres, drawing 470
slicing solids 485 spherical coordinates 171, 618
slide See also coordinates
files 500 Spline command or tool (spline) 118
shows 500 splines
small tool icons 559, 561–562 closing entities 120
snap drawing 118
angle 617 fit tolerance 119
grids 617 splitting entities 293
model space from paper space 412 spotlights 496
resolution 617 squares 109
settings. See entity snap stacking entities in arrays 480
tool 64 standard
SNAP setting in status bar 64 text style 219, 316
snapshots Standard toolbar 22
defined 618 start arrows 354
saving 500 start points of entities
solid line entities 90
boxes 465 methods of drawing arcs 93, 113
composites 477 starting
cones 467 direction of arcs 93
cylinders 470 IntelliCAD 21
dishes 472 new drawings with templates 21, 36
domes 473 points for moving entities. See base points
extruding solids 475 script recording 579
filled planes 123 starting commands
fills 158 from command bar 27
pyramids 468 from menus 26
regions 475 from toolbars 26
revolving solids 476 status bar
spheres 471 assistance with IntelliCAD functions 14
tetrahedrons 468 displaying cursor position 166
tori 474 illustrated 22, 24
wedges 466 prompts for commands 545
Solutions Development System (SDS) 4, 32, 617 viewing model space and paper space 412
sound clips 575 status command 255
Space Delimited Format files 383 status of drawings, displaying 39, 255
spacers STB files
in toolbars 558 assigning 436
spacing changing a drawing’s table type 441
656

compared with CTB files 434 defined 618

converting to 442 switching between model space and paper space 412
creating 437 symbols
default settings 540 datum reference letters 366
defined 433 material condition symbols 365, 366
modifying 438 special characters in text 319
Stop Recording command or tool (stopscript) 580 symmetry tolerance 364
straightening curves in polylines 300 tolerance 364, 366
straightness tolerance symbols 364 SYSCODEPAGE 329
Stretch command or tool (stretch) 285 system requirements for IntelliCAD 20
stretching system variables 618
entities 270, 285
text 319 T
style command (IntelliCAD Explorer) 221, 230 tables, mapping print settings 432
styles tabs in paragraphs 313
dimension styles 350 tabsurf command 462
print styles 432 tabulated surfaces 618
text styles 316 Tangent Arc tool 95
stylesmanager command tangent command 74
copying print style tables 441 tangent entities 618
deleting print style tables 441 drawing arcs tangent to an arc or line 95
modifying print style tables 439 drawing circles tangent to entities 92
new print style tables 437 drawing donuts tangent to entities 122
renaming print style tables 441 snapping to 70, 74
subtended angles 339 tangent points on splines 118
Subtract From Set selection method 260 Tangent Snap command (tangent) 74
subtracting areas of combined entities 251–253 tapered polylines 112, 303
subtracting solids 477 after joining 300
suffixes on dimension text 361 changing width 301
surface results of extending 289
material properties 496 tapering solid faces 489
of revolution 618 target box for entity snaps 70
profile tolerance symbols 364 tbconfig command 558
shading 495 templates
surface meshes basing new drawings on 36
density 461, 462, 463, 464 default icad.dwt template 21
edge-defined Coons surface patch meshes 464 defined 618
extruded mesh surfaces 461 for extracted attribute files 383–385
polyface meshes 460 for printed layouts 414
rectangular meshes 459 importing 505
revolved surface meshes 462 opening new drawings with 21
ruled surface meshes 460 saving from layouts 415
surface models setting default template 525
See also wire-frame models temporary files search path 525
defined 454 terrain models 459
removing lines and applying shading 495–496 tetrahedrons 468
SVG files text annotations 344
 657

Text command or tool (dtext) colors 357

adding text entities 312 formatting and positioning 356, 358
setting text style 317 illustrated 332
specifying alignment 318 moving text 348
text editor 327 prefixes or suffixes 361
text entities replacing with new text 349
See also text height; text in attributes; text on dimen- restoring to home position 349
sion lines rotating 348
adding text to drawings 312 specifying text styles in dimension styles 357
alignment 318 text size. See text height
alternate text editor 327 text styles
attachment points 317, 320 applying 317
backward or upside-down text 316 attribute text 381
changing properties 320 changing styles 320
character sets 329 compatibility with AutoCAD files 3
code page 329 copying to other drawings 181
color 320 creating new styles 220, 316
compressing or expanding 319 current text style 222
control codes and special characters 319 deleting in IntelliCAD Explorer 182
editing text 320 editing attribute definitions 382
find and replace 321 editing styles 220
fitting between two points 319 listing available styles 317
insertion points 75, 312, 317 overview 219
layer settings 320 vertical, upside-down, or backward text 220
obliquing 316 Text Styles dialog box 316
paragraph text 312 Text Styles element in IntelliCAD Explorer 219
Quick Text feature 159 text-based data. See attributes
rotation angle 312 thawing layers 186, 196, 197, 618
short lines of text 312 Thickness command or tool (thickness) 454
spelling 323 thickness in 3-dimensional entities 618
text styles 316 See also elevation in 3-dimensional entities
turning off display to improve performance 160 changing in entity properties 271
width 316 default thickness 454
text files three-dimensional drawings. See 3-dimensional drawings
script files 579 three-dimensional entities. See 3-dimensional entities
templates for extracted attribute files 383 three-point
text height arc method 93
calculating for different scale factors 49 through points 277, 618
changing height 222, 231 thumbnails of blocks 233
drawing scale factor and 49 thumbnails of drawings 37
in dimension styles 357 tick marks on dimension lines 354
printed drawings and 49 tiers of dimensions. See baseline dimensions
short lines of text 312 Tile Horizontally command 153
specifying 50, 317, 320 Tile Vertically command 153
text styles 316 tiling windows 153
text in attributes 381, 382 tilting. See obliquing angle
text on dimension lines time stamps on printouts 540
658

Time Variables command or tool (time) 257 tori 474, 475, 619
timers total runout tolerance symbols 364
for AutoSave 521 Trace command (trace) 117
tracking drawing sessions 256 tracking
Tip of the Day 21 command history 28, 528
title blocks last files used 38
adding in paper space 410 number of entities 232
as available in each view 8 trailing zeros in dimensions 361
Tolerance command or tool (tolerance) 366 transferring drawings to other people 393
tolerances transparent
adding geometric tolerances to drawings 364 commands 619
composite tolerances 365 images 400
datum reference letters 366–367 overlays. See layers
defined 618 triangles on tools 559
in Geometric Tolerances dialog box 366 triangular filled planes 123
limits tolerance 618 Trim command or tool (trim) 290
material condition symbols 363, 365 trimming
projected tolerances 365 external references 394
symbols, defined 364 printed drawings 428
tolerance commands 618 trimming entities
variance tolerance 618 chamfering 304
toolbars and tools filleting 307
compared to manual drafting 6 troubleshooting
creating new toolbars 557 drawing disappears from paper space 412
customizing tools and toolbars 22, 556 lineweight display 161
defined 619 profile settings not saved 537
displaying and hiding toolbars 22 setting layout viewport borders as invisible 417
docking or floating toolbars 22 text display 329
entity snaps tools 70 wipeout display 125
experience levels for toolbars 521, 560 true colors
flyouts 26, 559 current entity color 41
illustrated 22 selecting for layers 199
IntelliCAD Explorer tools 80, 181 turning features on or off
large tool icons 559, 561 automatically loading menus 533
Layer toolbar 186 AutoSave 521
naming new toolbars 558 blips 160
size and color of tools 22 entity snaps 78
spacing in toolbars 558 grips 271
starting commands from 26 highlighting 160, 271
toolbars command (tbconfig) 558 image frames 402
Toolbars tab (Custom dialog box) 556 orthogonal setting 67
triangles on tools 559 polar tracking setting 68, 82, 83
ToolTips print style tables 443
adding to tools 556 prompt boxes 25, 533
assistance with IntelliCAD tools 14 recent drawings list 533
turning on or off 22, 558 reference grid 62
top-aligned text 318 snap settings 64
 659

solid fill display 158 defined 165, 619

text display 159 defining per layout viewport 419
Tip of the Day 21 defining systems 175, 224
ToolTips 558 dialog box 175
wipeout frames 126 listing 223
xref clipping boundaries 396 plan views of drawings 453
two-dimensional preset user coordinate systems 176
drawings. See 2-dimensional drawings 167 user levels. See experience levels
entities. See 2-dimensional entities 167
two-point circle method 91 V
typing commands validated attribute values 381
aliases 572 values
entity snap commands 70, 72 editing attribute values 382
in command bar 27 extracting attribute values 383
to load custom programs 584 variable attribute values 379
variables
U dimension variables 350
UCS. See user coordinate systems (UCS) 175 system variables 618
undelete command (undelete) 273, 371 variance tolerance
underscore characters 156, 414, 415 See also tolerances
underscoring text 319 variations in geometry. See tolerances
undoing actions 32 vba command 587
See also redoing actions VBA macros command (vbarun) 587
Unicode characters 329 VBA programs 4, 619
uniform width for polylines 301 vbarun command 587
units. See drawing units vectors 619
unloading vertical
external references 390 drawing method (infinite lines) 101
print style tables 443 drawing method (rays) 100
raster images 405 grid spacing 62
unlocking layers 197, 619 orientation for text 316
updating text orientation 222, 231
all instances of blocks 370, 377 vertical dimensions
attribute values 382 creating 335–336
block definitions 377 defined 619
drawings inserted as blocks 236 illustrated 332
external references 386, 391 vertices
file paths for external references 392 chamfering 306
file paths for raster images 406 defined 619
upside-down printing 422, 425, 438 drawing polygons 110
upside-down text 316, 320 editing polyline vertices 302
user coordinate systems (UCS) filleting 309–310
See also coordinates, World Coordinate System View command (IntelliCAD Explorer) 227
(WCS) View Snapshot
command (IntelliCAD Explorer) 176, 224 command or tool (vsnapshot) 501
command or tool (setucs) 175 dialog box 501
current UCS 225 snapshots 501
660
viewing
See also views and viewports; windows 619
3-dimensional drawings 450
command bar 23
drawing thumbnails 37
dynamic view controls 451
external references 389
hiding lines in 3-dimensional entities 495
layout viewports 418
list of layouts 416
locked layers 197
Model and Layout tabs 529
panning drawings 143
plan view 453
preset viewpoints 450
print jobs before printing 444
print style tables 438
Prompt History window 28
redrawing screen 142
regenerating drawings 142
rotating the view 145
scroll bars 529
shading on entities 495
text 329
thawed layers 196, 197
ToolTips 22
turning layers on 196
viewpoints in 3-dimensional drawings 450
zooming 147
viewpoints in 3-dimensional drawings 619
views and viewports
See also model space; paper space 619
arranging windows 153
changing properties 228, 419
copying views to other drawings 80, 181
creating layout viewports 416
deleting views in IntelliCAD Explorer 182
displaying entire drawings 151
height and width of views 226
invisible borders on layout viewports 417
joining two views 155
layout viewports overview 416
listing named views 226–227
moving around in viewports 143
multiple views 153
orientation of viewports 152, 154
restoring named views 228
restoring previous view of drawing 149
saving view configuration 156, 227
scale factor 418
switching between model and paper space 412
turning on and off 418
viewport configuration defined 619
viewports defined 410, 619
views defined 619
zooming and panning 416
Views list in IntelliCAD Explorer 226
visibility of layers 184, 186, 195
visible
attributes 379
grid. See grid settings
Visual Basic Editor command (vba) 587
Visual Basic for Applications 4
Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) 4, 587, 619
visualizing coordinate systems 170
VSTA Load .NET Application command (vstaload) 588
VSTA Run command (vstarun) 588
vstaruncommand 588
W
warnings when opening drawings 523
WAV files 575
wblock command 372, 373
WCS. See Word Coordinate System (WCS)
Web sites
accessing IntelliCAD 518
hyperlinks for 516
opening files from 518
publishing drawings for 518
Wedge command or tool (wedge) 466
wedges 466, 620
what’s new 15
width
after creating regions 475
after exploding 295
after joining 301
changing the polyline width 301
lineweight settings 44
of donuts 121
of fields in extracted attribute files 384
of lines 109
of polylines 112, 303
printing lineweights 429, 430, 431
width of text
 661

in text styles 220, 222, 231, 316 X

specifying 320 x-axis
Window Circle selection method 261 in coordinate systems 164
Window Polygon selection method 261, 263 xclip command
Window-Inside selection method 261, 262 deleting 396
Windows polyline clipping boundaries 395
metafiles. See WMF files rectangular clipping boundaries 395
windows turning xref clipping on and off 396
See also views and viewports 619 Xlines 101
arranging 153 See also infinite lines
cascading 153 x-ordinate dimensions 343
displaying entire drawings 151 Xref Manager command or tool (xrm) 386, 387
joining two views 155 attaching or detaching external references 388
listing and saving named views 226 binding external references 393
main IntelliCAD window 22 changing file paths 392
model space and paper space defined 410 clipping 394
moving around in 143 defined 232, 612
multiple views 153 inserting drawings as 239, 244
opening new windows 153 nesting 388
saving arrangements 156 overlaying 388
selection windows 260 overview 386
tiling 153 reloading or updating 391
unique numbers 153 reusing entire blocks and drawings 11
Windows Clipboard xrm command
See Clipboard See also Xref Manager command or tool (xrm)
embedding objects into drawings 501 attaching external references 388
embedding objects into other applications 508, 516 binding external path names 393
linking drawings into other applications 510 clipping boundaries 394
Wipeout command or tool (wipeout) 125 detaching external references 391
wipeouts 125–126 moving or changing the path name 392
wire-frame models opening external references 390
See also surface models reloading or uploading external references 391
defined 454, 620 search path for files 525
removing lines and applying shading 495 searching for external references 392
witness lines. See extension lines unloading external references 390
WMF files viewing external references 389
defined 620
snapshots 500 Y
World Coordinate System (WCS) y-axis
defined 620 in coordinate systems 164
overview 165 y-ordinate dimensions 343
plan views of drawings 453
selecting 177 Z
working with coordinate systems 223 z-axis
World tool (IntelliCAD Explorer) 80, 181 in coordinate systems 164
Write, Then Resume option (freehand command) 103 z-coordinates in elevation 454, 457
writing sketches into drawings 103 zero angle settings 47
662

Zoom All tool 151

Zoom Center tool 150
Zoom command (zoom) 147, 418
Zoom In command or tool (zoom) 147, 150
Zoom Left tool 150
Zoom Out tool 147
Zoom Previous tool 149
zooming in or out
changing mouse wheel zoom direction 533
changing viewport scale factor 418
defined 620
in 3-dimensional drawings 453
in print preview window 445
in viewports 416
overview 147
viewing drawings 5
zooming methods 147